Srinagar, Feb 27: Apple cultivators from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are set to stage a protest in New Delhi next month opposing the duty concession granted to the United States on apple imports, MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said on Friday.

India has allowed a quota-based duty relief on American apples under an interim trade arrangement, enabling imports from the US without applicable customs duties. Growers fear the move will lead to a surge of cheaper US apples in Indian markets, severely impacting domestic producers.

Tarigami as per news agency JKNS said apple farmers from the three hill states have formed the Apple Farmers Federation of India (AFFI) to collectively oppose the decision. “We have decided to organise a protest in Delhi in March to safeguard the interests of domestic apple growers,” he told reporters.

He added that the federation has sought the support of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which has assured solidarity with the protesting farmers. According to Tarigami, leaders of the farmers’ body are expected to participate in the demonstration.

Criticising the broader Indo-US trade understanding, Tarigami termed it a compromise that could affect India’s economic sovereignty. He also referred to concerns regarding restrictions linked to trade decisions, saying such developments raise questions about independent policy-making.

Calling the apple sector the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, the Kulgam legislator said the region has limited industrial presence and declining handicrafts, making horticulture particularly apple cultivation the primary source of livelihood. “If unchecked imports flood the market, local farmers will struggle to compete,” he warned. (JKNS)