Srinagar, Dec 15: Fruit grower associations of Kashmir have expressed their deep concern over what they call ‘illegal imports of Iranian apples to India through Wagah border’.
Following is the unedited text of the letter written by the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and the New Kashmir Fruit Association to J&K’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor
J&K (UT), Jammu/Srinagar
Subject:- Illegal /Unlawful import and dumping of Iranian apples in India under the garb of Afghan apples through Wagah border
Hon’ble Sir,
This Union is called “Kashmir Valley Fruit Grower Cum Dealer Union” with its Head office at New Fruit Marketing Complex Parimpora Srinagar is an Elected Apex Body of all Fruit Growers Associations of the Valley.
It is known fact that the Agriculture Sector contributes 70% to National Economy and about 80% of rural population of J&K UT directly or indirectly is dependent on Horticulture /Agriculture resources. Your goodself are also aware that Agriculture Sector in general and Horticulture Sector in particular has witnessed unprecedented upheavals during last several years both on Natural as well as Political fronts.
Iranian Apple via Afghanistan are imported by various Traders and illegal sale thereof is made in our country taking the benefit from it due to this fact that there is zero import duty agreement between Indian Government and Afghanistan severely hitting our business badly. This elusive and elusive activity to defeat the realization of taxes has a direct negative impact on Apple Fruit Industry of Northern India in general and UT of JK in particular. The said evasion being against the parameters of Commercial and constitutional morality needs to be cheeked in time to uphold the hygiene and transparency in the Merchandize.
It may be pertinent to add it here that 22 lac Metric Tons of Apple crop is produced exclusively in Kashmir Valley and currently there is around 03 to 05 lac tons of Apple produce stored all across India which belongs to small and marginal Growers who expect that after the Harvesting season is over, the produce stored will fetch reasonable prices in the market but it is unfortunate that the illegal and un-lawful dumping of Iranian Apple by several Fruit Traders in our Country is not only Disastrous to the Fruit Growers of the Valley / Himachal but also result in huge losses to the State Exchequer. It may not be out of place to mention it here that such type of precarious situation has taken place in the past also but the timely action by the Authorities saved the situation .Imposition of ban to restrict the entry of Iranian Apple via Afghanistan and its illegal sale in our country is, therefore, vary necessary in order to save the Fruit Growers of the Valley / Himachal Pradesh from further losses and State Exchequer as well.
Under the circumstance explained above your goodself is accordingly requested kindly look into the matter personally and direct all concerned Authorities for immediate banning of entry of Iranian Apple in the name of Afghanistan in our country and its proxy sale so that the Fruit Grower of the Valley/Himachal Pradesh as well may feel a sigh of relief.
With great regards
Yours Sincerely
(Bashir Ahmad Basheer)
Chairman – Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union
President – The New Kashmir Fruit Association Fruit Marketing Complex, Parimpora Sgr.
