Congress leader Kuldeep Singh Rathore pointed out that the plight of apple farmers going to be a big issue in Lok Sabha Elections in the state. He highlighted the economic challenges faced by apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh due to the importation of foreign apples. Rathore, also an AICC spokesperson, attributed these challenges to the trade agreement with Afghanistan, which allows apple imports without import duty, leading to significant financial losses for local farmers.
He emphasized that the issue had been raised with both the assembly and the Union governments, yet no effective action had been taken. The farmers are advocating for an increase in the import duty on apples to India to 100 percent, a demand that has not been met, despite previous election promises. Rathore pointed out the discrepancy in import duties, questioning why apples could not receive the same duty increase to 100 percent as tea and coffee. The apple farming community, concentrated in the Parliamentary Constituencies of Mandi and Shimla, feels neglected by both the Congress and the BJP, with the upcoming elections serving as a critical platform for their grievances.
Source: aninews.in
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