Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has criticized the decision of the Centre to reduce the import duty on Washington apples. Sukhu has said that the move is harmful to the interest of apple growers who demand an increase in import duty from 70 to 100 percent. Recently, the Indian government decreased the import duty on Washington apples from 70 to 50 percent. Sukhu appealed to the Centre to reconsider its decision, as it goes against the interests of apple growers and would negatively impact the apple economy.
Moreover, Sukhu reminded that during the Lok Sabha elections of 2014 and 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to increase the import duty on foreign apples. The Prime Minister also stated that 5% apple concentrate would be blended in all types of cold drinks. However, instead of increasing the import duty, the Centre has reduced it by 20 percent, which is against the interest of apple growers. This reduction could have a severe impact on the apple economy, and the Himachal Pradesh CM has voiced his concerns regarding the same.
In conclusion, the CM is urging the Centre to consider the interests of apple growers and increase the import duty on foreign apples. As of now, no response from the Centre has been reported. The decision on whether or not the import duty reduction will remain in place will be eagerly watched by apple growers across the country, who are anxiously awaiting the Centre’s response.
