Farmers in Kashmir are expressing alarm as cheap Iranian apples flood Indian markets, causing a nearly 40% reduction in the rates of Kashmiri apples over the last three weeks. In response to this threat, farmers from Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand formed a unified group in 2021 to address the issue of cheaper Iranian apple varieties.
The central government had previously prohibited the import of apples, setting the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) price for Iranian apples at around ₹50 per kg. However, the recent influx of Iranian apples has adversely impacted the demand and pricing of Kashmiri apples.
Fayaz Ahmad Malik, president of the North Kashmir Fruit Growers Association, voiced concern over the situation, highlighting the decrease in demand for Kashmiri apples and a significant drop in prices, amounting to almost Rs 500 per box in the past three weeks. He urged the government to impose a 100% duty on the import of Iranian apples to safeguard the apple industry in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Data reveals that from April 2021 to January 2022, Iran exported 1947.19 tonnes of apples valued at USD 1.82 million. Farmers fear further losses if the flow of Iranian apples continues, particularly as a significant quantity of locally produced apples is still in cold storage and may enter the Indian markets by the end of December. Despite a positive trend for Kashmiri apples fetching good rates in various markets earlier in the year, the current scenario poses a significant threat to the industry's economic stability.
Source: www.thekashmirmonitor.net