CM Assures Apple Orchardists of Taking Up Import Duty Issue with Union Government.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured apple orchardists of the state that their concerns regarding the reduction in import duty on apples imported from New Zealand would be taken up with the Union Government. He was chairing a meeting with representatives of progressive orchardists, who expressed apprehension that the reduced import duty had adversely affected the interests of local apple growers.
The Chief Minister said that the issue would be raised at the highest level to find a suitable solution. “I will meet the Union Finance Minister and the Union Commerce Minister and urge them to take necessary measures to protect the interests of orchardists of the state,” he said.
He emphasized that apple production is a major pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, providing livelihood to lakhs of families, and its protection and promotion remains a top priority of the state government. He assured the orchardists that the government would continue to take all possible steps to safeguard their economic interests.
Several other important issues concerning the horticulture sector were also discussed during the meeting, including challenges faced by growers and measures required to strengthen apple farming in the state.
Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary C. Palrasu, Director of Horticulture Vinay Singh, State Committee President of the Himachal Apple Growers Association Sanjay Chauhan, State Secretary of Himachal Kisan Sabha Rakesh Singha, President of Stone Fruit Growers Association Deepak Singha, Vice President of Progressive Growers Association Ashutosh Chauhan, and other progressive orchardists were present in the meeting.
