Himachal Pradesh's Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, has launched a fierce attack on the central government, labelling its recent decision to reduce import duties on apples from New Zealand a "direct betrayal" of the state's horticulturists. The sharp criticism comes in response to a provision under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that cuts the import duty on apples from 50% to 25%.
A Threat to a Rs 5,000-Crore Economy
Thakur, who is also the legislator representing the key apple-growing region of Jubbal-Kotkhai, issued a stark warning about the potential fallout. He stated that such policies pose a severe threat to Himachal's Rs 5,000-crore apple economy and jeopardise the livelihoods of lakhs of families dependent on horticulture in the hill state. The minister accused the Centre of abandoning its earlier assurances to shield domestic growers from unfair international competition.
He bolstered his argument by highlighting a drastic reduction in central support. Thakur pointed out that the budget for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), a crucial price support mechanism, was slashed from Rs 4,000 crore in 2022-23 to a mere Rs 1 lakh in 2023-24. This move, he argued, effectively undermines financial safety nets for apple and other horticulture producers. In contrast, he noted that the Himachal Pradesh government has spent close to Rs 160 crore from its own resources over the past three years to assist farmers.
Domestic Growers Undercut by Cheap Imports
The minister elaborated on the immediate economic danger. He noted that imported apples often arrive at prices below Rs 45 per kg, which is the average cost of production for domestic growers. A sustained duty reduction would allow these cheaper imports to flood and undercut local markets, making it impossible for Himachal's farmers to compete.
Thakur also expressed concern about a domino effect. He fears that the concession granted to New Zealand under the FTA could set a precedent, leading to similar duty cuts for apples from other major exporting nations like the United States, Iran, and Afghanistan. This would compound the crisis, further destabilising the hill state's fragile economy and discouraging growers who have invested heavily in modern plantation techniques and cold storage infrastructure.
Political Allegations and Demands for Action
The Congress leader did not spare state-level politicians from the BJP, criticising them for allegedly prioritising loyalty to the central leadership over the interests of local farmers. He called for immediate corrective measures from the Union government to avert a full-blown crisis.
His demands include:
- An immediate rollback of the import duty reduction on New Zealand apples.
- Restoration of higher import duties to protect the domestic market.
- Revival of the Centre's financial contribution to the Market Intervention Scheme.
- Upholding all prior commitments made to support domestic horticulture.
Rohit Thakur asserted that Himachal Pradesh would strongly resist any policy that endangers the future of its orchardists, setting the stage for a potential political confrontation over the issue.
