Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh will participate in a nationwide strike on February 12 and plan to march to Delhi. The farmers are protesting against the central government’s trade policies, specifically the reduction of import duties on foreign apples.
They argue that lower import duties will increase competition from imported apples, threatening the local apple industry and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
**Why this matters**
Himachal Pradesh’s economy relies heavily on apple cultivation, which supports a large number of farmers and related businesses. Changes in import duties can significantly impact the price and demand for locally grown apples, affecting the income and sustainability of the agricultural community.
Source: NewsData