Illegal Iranian imports deal death blow to Himachali apples, orchardists claim they are suffering loss of Rs 800 per box

TNR Desk

In a concerning turn of events for apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, the influx of Iranian apples into the Indian market through illegal channels has drastically impacted the prices of locally produced apples, leading to significant financial losses for farmers.

The Himachali apples kept in cold stores that were fetching Rs 2,000 per box during the peak season in July-August are now fetching only Rs 1,500. This plunge in prices translates to a loss of approximately Rs 800 per box for the growers, further exacerbated by the Rs 300 per box spent on storage costs.

Every year, around one crore boxes of apples are stored in Himachal Pradesh, forming a crucial component of the state’s economy. However, the recent surge in the illegal import of Iranian apples, facilitated through Afghanistan and exploiting the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, has disrupted the equilibrium of the market. Iranian apples, available at Rs 1,000 to 1,200 per box, significantly undercut the prices of Himachali apples, rendering the latter uncompetitive in the market.

Reports indicate that 15 to 20 airconditioned containers of Iranian apples arrive daily at the Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, flooding markets not only in the capital but also across South India. While consumers benefit from the cheaper Iranian apples, local growers face dire consequences.

Premium apple varieties from private companies manage to fetch decent prices, offering a silver lining amidst the downturn.
Rajat Chauhan, an apple trader, highlighted the widespread penetration of Iranian apples across Indian markets, leading to reduced demand and prices for Himachali apples stored in cold storage facilities.

Chaman Tanta, an orchardist, has raised concerns about the illegal imports of Iranian apples despite previous appeals to the Central Government. He emphasised the need for stringent measures akin to those in European countries where Iranian apples are banned.