Himachal Pradesh Minister Warns of US Trade Deal Impact on Apple Economy

The Revenue and Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, has expressed concerns about the proposed India-US trade arrangements. He warned that any reduction in import duties on foreign agricultural and horticultural products could severely affect the state's apple economy and jeopardise the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farmers.

Negi accused the Central Government of compromising the interests of Indian farmers and horticulturists in its trade negotiations. He stated that Himachal Pradesh's concerns were repeatedly conveyed to the Centre, but the interests of apple growers were consistently disregarded.

The minister referred to assurances made during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that import duties on apples would increase from 75 per cent to 100 per cent to protect domestic producers. However, he claimed that this promise was not fulfilled and the duty was later reduced to 50 per cent and subsequently brought down further under trade arrangements with New Zealand.

Negi also criticised India's trade and foreign policy decisions, alleging increasing external influence on domestic economic decisions. He cited restrictions on crude oil imports from Russia and developments during the Iran-Israel conflict as examples of constraints on India's economic sovereignty.