NC concerned over possible impact of Apple imports under NZ trade deal on Kashmiri growers

Srinagar, Dec 25: National Conference has appealed to the Government of India to review its decision to import apples under the new trade agreement with New Zealand, warning that such a move could seriously harm the Kashmiri apple industry.

Party spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, while addressing media persons, said that the import of foreign apples in the past had adversely affected local growers and traders. He emphasized that no tax exemption should be given to imported apples under the new agreement and that a reasonable tax must be imposed to safeguard the interests of Kashmiri apple growers. “Kashmiri apples are not only superior in taste but are also highly beneficial for health. No foreign apple can compete with the quality of Kashmiri produce,” he said.

Dar highlighted that a large section of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry, which has already suffered losses of around Rs 2,000 crore this year due to adverse weather conditions, road closures and floods. He urged the Government of India to refrain from taking any decision that could further damage the fragile apple economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to a query regarding the Supreme Court’s rejection of the PIL filed by the PDP concerning the return of prisoners from outside Jammu and Kashmir, Imran said that the petition was nothing more than political drama and point scoring.