"Talks with centre to impose complete ban on Turkish apple imports," says Himachal Minister Jagat Negi

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 22 (ANI): The Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, said that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has talked with the Centre regarding the demand to impose a complete ban on Turkish apple imports.
The Himachal Minister said that while a certain percentage of imports are allowed due to global trade mandates, there should be no dumping.
"Tariffs should be increased, which is being actively discussed," said Jagat Negi on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI, Jagat Negi said, "Regarding the demand to impose a complete ban on Turkish apple imports, our Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Sukhu, has already taken up this matter with the Centre in Delhi and is meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss this and other key issues. While a certain percentage of imports are allowed due to global trade mandates, we must ensure there is no dumping. Tariffs should be increased, which is being actively discussed."
This comes after apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh have demanded a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples into India, citing Turkey's political stance during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Turkey had backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, in which India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Turkey has also provided military equipment to Islamabad.
Earlier in the day, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Himachal Pradesh Chapter, hosted its 6th annual Apple conclave in Shimla, bringing together over 600 apple growers, agricultural experts, government officials, and industry leaders.
The conclave focused on empowering apple farmers with modern horticulture techniques and improved market access.
It also witnessed a strong advocacy for imposing a ban on apple imports from Turkey, citing the threat of market destabilisation and unfair pricing.
The event was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who emphasised the significance of the conclave as a collaborative platform for farmers, government departments, scientists, and industry stakeholders.
The conclave also drew participation from grassroots farmer bodies, including the Himachal Pradesh Sayukt Kisan Manch, whose convener Harish Chauhan underlined the CII's key role in introducing reforms in packaging and post-harvest processes.
Himachal Pradesh Sayukt Kisan Manch, convener, Harish Chauhan, said that a memorandum demanding a ban on Turkish apples has been submitted to the Prime Minister through the state Governor.
He also warned that apples arriving under SAFTA agreements from Iran and Iraq are hurting the domestic market and called for enhanced tariffs on all imported apples.
The conclave ended with a call to action, with farmers, industry representatives, and policymakers unified in their appeal to the central government to intervene in the matter of imported apples, particularly from Turkey.
The CII promised to intensify its advocacy at the national level, while farmers urged the state to work with the Union Government to implement protections that can preserve the viability of apple farming, a backbone of Himachal Pradesh's economy. (ANI)