Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) has welcomed the Government of India’s move to retain tariff safeguards on imported apples under the recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The association has termed the measure a major relief for lakhs of apple growers across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
In a statement issued to Ziraat Times, JKPICCA said the decision reflects a farmer-centric approach that ensures a level playing field for domestic apple producers who operate under significantly challenging conditions compared to growers in developed countries.
The issue was raised recently with Union Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal during his visit to Srinagar, where JKPICCA representatives made a detailed representation on behalf of the apple-growing community. According to the association, the Minister was receptive to the concerns and acknowledged the need for protective measures in the sector.
JKPICCA had pointed out that small landholdings, traditional cultivation methods, and limited mechanization in India’s hill states lead to higher production costs, making the sector highly vulnerable to low-cost apple imports. The retention of import duties is, therefore, critical to safeguarding the interests of domestic farmers.
The association also noted that the India-UK trade agreement reflected this sensitivity, with traditional farming knowledge being acknowledged and protected—a step it described as a broader recognition of indigenous agricultural practices.
“Lakhs of households in India are directly involved in apple farming. Their survival hinges on a competitive domestic market. These tariff safeguards are essential to protect their livelihoods,” the statement said.
JKPICCA further urged the Government of India to ensure that such protective provisions are included in all future FTAs, especially in sectors that are regionally vital and employment-intensive, such as horticulture in Jammu & Kashmir.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of India’s horticulture economy.
