Himachal apple growers oppose reduced import duty on New Zealand apples

Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh fear that the Centre’s proposal to slash the import duty on New Zealand apples from 50% to 25% following a trade deal will severely impact their livelihoods and have sought Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s “intervention to safeguard livelihoods”.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor on Tuesday (December 30, 2025), a group of apple growers led by Kuldeep Singh Rathore, the Congress MLA from Theog constituency in Shimla district, has raised concerns about the proposed reduction in import duty from 2026-27.

Mr. Rathore said the reduced duty will cause a significant loss of market share for Indian apples and bring down prices, pushing apple growers – struggling with climate change-induced uncertainties, rising input costs, labour shortages, and shrinking margins – into deep economic distress.

The leader said that the apple industry forms the “backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy” and contributes approximately ₹5,500 crore annually and supports over 1.5 lakh families, most of whom are small and marginal farmers. “The State produces around 6.5 lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, accounting for nearly 25% of India’s total apple production. With average landholdings of only one to two acres and limited scope for diversification due to the hilly terrain, apple cultivation remains the primary source of livelihood for these farmers,” he said.

Mr. Rathore said implementation of the FTA in its “present form” will set a “dangerous precedent”. “Other major apple-exporting nations such as the U.S., Chile, and Italy which together account for over 40% of global apple exports are likely to demand similar concessions, which will be disastrous to farmer community of Himachal Pradesh,” he said.

“We also urge the Government of India to restore the import duty on apples to 100% as a necessary protective measure for domestic growers and reconsider the complete elimination of import duty on kiwi fruit under the proposed FTA with New Zealand,” he added.