Srinagar, Feb 3: Customs officials on Wednesday reportedly took swift action on illegal Iranian apple imports through Wagah border entering through the Afghanistan corridor and initiated steps for charging the 35% Customs Duty as per the budget announcement.
This development comes after Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) facilitated an on-the-spot delagation talks between Kashmir apple producers, Cold Storages Association and governemnt officials dealing with Wagah border trade.
In this respect, a delegation led by JKPICCA president Majid Aslam Wafai along with President Shopian Fruit Growers Association, with support from President FCIK Shahid Kamili, flew to Amritsar to meet Joint Commissioner Customs regarding import of Iran Apple via Afghanistan which is ‘proving to be disastrous for local apple growers of J&K’, a member of the delegation told Ziraat Times.
“The delegation received positive response from the customs officials, who assured that the matter will be taken seriously by them. The delegation also met plant quarantine officers and briefed them about the phytosanitary threat of these apples. The officials assured the visiting team that quick steps will be taken to verify the phytosanitary certificates from issuing authorities”, Maajid Wafai, Presidnet of JKPICCA said.
“The delegation also met APMC chairman Mr Adeel Khan and Secretary APMC in Azadpur Delhi regarding unlawful sale of these apples in Azadpur Mandi where it was being sold as Kashmir apple in the New Fruit Market of Azadpur Mandi. The chairman and secretary took immediate notice and issued on the spot direction for stopping sale of imported produce in the area designated for local produce”, Izhan Javeed, CEO Fruit Master Agro Fresh, one of the delegation members further said.
The delegation is due to meet Mr Amitabh Kumar Joint Secretary Ministry of Commerce Department tomorrow to take up the issue with him.
So far because of these efforts no trucks for carrying afghan apples have been allowed without paying 35% New cess which was imported on 2-2-2021, the delegation informed.
The delegation has thanked Customs officals at Amritsar and APMC chairman Adeel Khan for their swift action. The delagation also specially thanked President FCIK Shahid Kamili for his efforts for making it happen.
“This will safeguard the interests of Kashmiri farmers who were competing against dumping of Iran apples in the domestic market which was being sold as Kashmir Apple in local mandies at cheaper prices. This will further increase the demand of Kashmiri apples in the market”, Maajid Wafai told Ziraat Times.