Shimla, Feb. 7 -- The Horticulture, Revenue and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday warned that the state's apple-based economy would be severely impacted due to foreign trade agreements signed by the Union government and the drastic reduction in import duty on apple imports from several countries, including the United States and the European Union.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Negi said, "Under the foreign trade agreements being signed by the Government of India with different countries, apple horticulture in Himachal Pradesh will no longer remain viable. Import duties have been reduced to near zero, and agreements have been signed with countries worldwide, including the European Union and the US....