JK apple growers hail tariff safeguards in India-UK free trade pact
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has lauded the Government of India’s move to safeguard tariff protections on apple imports under the newly signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a critical victory for domestic apple growers.
The decision, aimed at maintaining import duties on apples despite the broader trade liberalization under the FTA, has been welcomed by fruit growers across apple-producing regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
In a recent meeting held in Srinagar, JKPICCA representatives raised their concerns directly with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. They emphasized the need for protection, noting that Indian apple farmers face considerable disadvantages due to small landholdings, traditional farming practices, and relatively high production costs.
“Indian apple growers cannot compete on equal footing with high-efficiency farms in developed countries unless fair safeguards are in place,” said a JKPICCA spokesperson.
“This tariff protection ensures a level playing field and directly supports the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers who depend on apple cultivation.”
Highlighting the cultural and economic value of traditional farming, the association also welcomed the symbolic recognition of “Traditional farming knowledge receives patent protection” in the spirit of the trade agreement.
The association urged the government to maintain this “farmer-first” approach in all current and future trade negotiations, especially in sectors critical to employment and economic resilience in hill and tribal regions.
“We commend the Minister’s sensitivity to this issue and his responsiveness to the voices of the farming community,” the statement read. “JKPICCA remains dedicated to collaborating with the government to enhance the productivity and global competitiveness of Indian horticulture.”
The move is expected to provide much-needed relief to the domestic apple industry, which has long been wary of cheap imports affecting market prices.
