In a move that has brought relief to fruit growers in Kashmir, the government has banned the import of apples costing below Rs 50 per kilogram. The decision was taken to protect the interests of local fruit growers, who have been struggling due to the influx of cheaper imported apples from neighbouring countries.
The ban was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare after several representations were made by the fruit growers of Kashmir, who had been demanding a ban on the import of cheap apples. The move is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local apple industry, which has been facing tough competition from imported apples.
The decision has been widely welcomed by the fruit growers in the region, who have been struggling to compete with the cheaper imports. According to them, the influx of cheaper apples has resulted in a sharp decline in the prices of local apples, which has hurt their livelihoods.
What the Kashmir fruit producers believe
“The ban on the import of cheap apples is a much-needed step to protect the interests of local farmers. We have been struggling for a long time due to the influx of cheap apples from neighboring countries. The government’s decision to ban the import of such apples will provide us with a level playing field,” said a fruit grower from Kashmir.
The ban on the import of cheap apples is also expected to boost the quality of apples produced in Kashmir. With the ban in place, fruit growers in the region will have a better opportunity to sell their produce at a fair price, which will encourage them to produce higher-quality apples.
The decision to ban the import of cheap apples is a welcome move by the government, and it is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local apple industry. The move will not only protect the interests of local fruit growers but also help improve the quality of apples produced in Kashmir.
