The Sanyukt Kisan Manch has appealed to Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to support apple growers in their request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for a halt in apple imports from Turkey. Manch convener Harish Chauhan explained that India imports apples from 44 countries, with Turkey alone supplying approximately 129,000 metric tons annually.
Chauhan noted that Turkey's apple exports to India generate around US$96–120 million, based on current exchange rates. The memorandum, which highlights Himachal Pradesh's annual apple production of 600,000 to 1,000,000 metric tons, emphasizes that nearly 300,000 to 400,000 families depend on the fruit for their livelihood. A proposed ban on imports would have significant economic impacts and geopolitical implications, especially concerning countries linked to terrorism.
Governor Shukla confirmed that the memorandum will be forwarded to both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, stressing the economic and agrarian significance of the issue.
Meanwhile, former State BJP President and MP, Suresh Kashyap, accused the Congress of seeking political credit, pointing out that talks with the central government are ongoing and may soon result in a resolution. "We remind the Congress that many delegations have already met with central ministers, and a decision on this issue may be forthcoming," he said.
Documents from Himachal Pradesh have also been submitted to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, outlining five major demands, including a ban on Turkish apple imports. Discussions also involve raising the minimum import price for foreign apples and implementing strict quality controls to prevent disease entry.
Kashyap added that Congress's political positioning is unnecessary, as the central government is already well aware of the issue.
Source: Ten News