Srinagar, September 12: Sajad Gani Lone, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Conference (JKPC), has voiced grave worry about the recent lowering of the customs charge on apples imported into India.
According to a statement he released, this choice would have a disastrous effect on apple producers, especially those in the Kashmir Valley, who have been dealing with difficulties for the previous three decades.
“Apple producers will be severely impacted by the reduction in customs duties on apples. The previous thirty years have been difficult for the valley’s horticulturists. According to the statement, “free admission into the Indian market would be disastrous for apple farmers in Kashmir and across the rest of the nation.
He continued, “The seriousness of the situation becomes apparent when one considers that the Indian market, already devoid of subsidies or assistance for its local growers, is now opening its doors to customs duty-free imports from a country that provides significant subsidies to its own apple industry.”
“I hope the administration is aware of the significant government subsidies offered to American apple farmers. One estimate has the percentage at above 25%. In India, apple farmers have never received any direct help or subsidies from the government. So, he said, “the government permits duty-free imports from a nation that offers subsidies into a market that offers no subsidies or help to its own producers.
The PC President strongly hoped that the government would reconsider its choice and reimpose customs fees. Hope the judgement is revised and custom duties are once again assessed, he said.
