Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are demanding an increase in the import duty on apples from 50% to 100% to protect their livelihoods amid a crisis in the apple economy. With rising input costs, heavy imports from countries like Afghanistan and Iran, and adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields, growers claim they are facing significant financial losses.
The Himachal Pradesh Seb Utpadak Sangh has voiced concerns that without government intervention to raise import duties, the local apple industry, valued at approximately ₹5,000 crore, could be jeopardized, impacting not only farmers but also the broader agricultural sector in the region.
Citations:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/hp-apple-growers-face-challenges-amid-political-promises/articleshow/109899053.cms
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/apple-prices-crash-by-50-pc-as-arrivals-from-himachal-pradesh-increase/articleshow/113213738.cms
[3] https://agmetalminer.com/2024/03/04/india-chinese-imports-steel-prices/
[4] https://www.automotivelogistics.media/trade-and-customs/chinese-finished-vehicle-exports-to-russia-in-jeopardy/45782.article
[5] https://www.fastmarkets.com/insights/surging-exports-of-cheaper-chinese-steel-send-shockwaves-through-ferrous-markets/
[6] https://www.gtreview.com/news/global/western-governments-launch-financing-network-for-critical-minerals/
[7] https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/new-curse-critical-minerals
[8] https://www.miningmx.com/top-story/58413-kabanga-nickel-takes-centrestage-as-west-forms-minerals-coalition/