AFFI demands 100 pc duty on import of apples

Srinagar: The Apple Farmers' Federation of India (AFFI) called for a 100 percent duty on imported apples to protect the local farmers.

Speaking with journalists after a national conference of apple growers in Kulgam district, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami emphasized the need for the government to halt the corporatization of the apple sector and implement a 100 percent import duty to protect local farmers. Tarigami stated that the convention approved a resolution requiring 50 percent of the retail price to be paid as the minimum procurement price.

In addition to advocating for a total prohibition on fake pesticides and fertilizers, the AFFI conference wanted to secure insurance for those working in the public sector. He insisted that farmers receive storage facilities at lower rates because the government provides a 50 pc subsidy to corporations for building Controlled Atmosphere Stores (CAS) at commercial rent. AFFI National Coordinator Rakesh Singha criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for agreeing with US President Joe Biden to decrease the import duty from 70 to 50 per cent.

Singha stated that because of the corporatization of the apple industry, the average person cannot afford to buy apples, and called for a pricing policy where farmers receive at least 50 percent of the retail price. The farmer leaders plan to present a written statement to the Prime Minister and Union Minister of Agriculture with the help of Members of Parliament.