Shimla, July 17 -- The Himachal Apple Growers' Association on Friday expressed concern over the proposed India-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA), alleging that any reduction or removal of import duty on American apples would severely affect the livelihood of orchardists in the hill state.
The concerns were raised during a meeting of the Jubbal Block executive committee of the association, chaired by its president Sanjay Chauhan at Jubbal in Shimla district.
Representatives from various village units participated in the meeting and discussed issues confronting apple growers and the horticulture sector.
The executive committee said the proposed trade agreement could allow imported apples and other agricultural produce from the Unite...