Illegal import of Iranian apples via Afghanistan hits Himachal orchardists hard; Theog MLA Rathore asks Centre to act

The Newz Radar

SHIMLA: The orchardists of Himachal Pradesh have been grappling with losses as a consequence of the illegal import of Iranian apples through Afghanistan. All India Congress Committee spokesperson and Theog MLA Kuldeep Rathore has raised the issue, urging immediate action from the Central Government.

Rathore highlighted the detrimental impact of the clandestine import of Iranian apples on the local apple industry, emphasising that nearly 20 to 22 Assembly constituencies in Himachal are involved in apple production. He called upon the state MPs to raise the matter at the central level.

Rathore also urged Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur to raise the issue, emphasising the importance of securing justice for the state’s orchardists. The MLA pledged to raise the issue in the state Assembly too, underscoring the plight of orchardists who store their apples in cold stores and controlled atmosphere (CA) stores. These storage facilities are essential for ensuring fair prices during the off-season, with orchardists paying monthly rent for the storage.

Despite the efforts of apple growers to secure fair prices for their produce, the influx of Iranian apples through Afghanistan, facilitated by a trade agreement between the two countries exempting import duties, has led to a surge in illegal imports and subsequent black marketing. Rathore attacked the central government for its failure of to curb such these illegal practices, saying it had resulted in plummeting apple prices.

He emphasized that while countries like the US, Turkey, Italy, New Zealand and Poland were renowned for their apple production, the illegal import of Iranian apples through Afghanistan posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of Himachal Pradesh’s orchardists.