Shimla, Feb. 9 -- Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh have expressed concern over recent trade agreements signed by the union government, fearing that reduced import duties will expose domestic producers to unfair competition from heavily subsidised foreign apples.
In this regard, the apple growers referred to India's agreements with the United States, New Zealand and the European Union,Himachal Pradesh produces around three to four lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, most of which is consumed within the domestic market. Growers say the state's apple economy, valued at nearly Rs 5,500 crore, is now being pushed into direct competition with high-quality apples from advanced horticulture economies such as the United States, New Zealand and ...