The Horticulture, Revenue and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, has expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of recent foreign trade agreements signed by the Indian government. He highlighted that the state’s apple economy could face significant challenges due to the sharp reduction in import duties on apples from countries such as the United States and European nations.
Minister Negi warned that these changes might undermine the local apple industry, which is a vital part of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. The reduced tariffs could lead to increased competition from imported apples, affecting the income of local farmers and the overall horticulture sector in the region.
**Why this matters**
Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s leading apple-producing states, and its economy relies heavily on apple cultivation and related activities. Changes in trade policies that lower import duties may introduce cheaper foreign apples into the market, potentially reducing demand for locally grown produce. This could impact farmers’ livelihoods and the state’s agricultural revenue.
Source: NewsData