The ruling National Conference (NC) on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to import apples under a new trade agreement with New Zealand, warning that the move could adversely affect Kashmir’s apple industry.
In a statement, National Conference state spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said that the import of foreign apples in the past had negatively impacted local growers and traders. He demanded that imported apples should not be granted any tax exemption under the agreement and called for the imposition of a reasonable tax to protect the interests of Kashmiri apple farmers.
“Kashmiri apples are not only superior in taste but are also highly beneficial for health. No foreign apple can compete with the quality of Kashmiri produce,” Dar said.
He pointed out that a significant portion of Kashmir’s population depends directly or indirectly on the apple industry for its livelihood. According to Dar, the sector has already incurred losses of around Rs 2,000 crore this year due to adverse weather conditions, road closures, and floods.
Dar appealed to the Centre to avoid taking any decision that could further weaken what he described as a fragile apple economy in Jammu and Kashmir.
