Rathore slams Centre over apple import duty

All-India Congress Committee (AICC) Spokesperson and Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore today urged the Central Government to increase import duty on apples, reminding Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his promise to protect horticulturists’ interests.

Addressing a press conference, Rathore criticised the United States for allegedly pressuring India to lower the duty, warning of its impact on apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand. He emphasised that India must not bow to US demands, stating “Trump’s policies were anti-India.”

Rathore revealed he had written to the Union Commerce and Industry Minister regarding the issue but had yet to receive a response. However, he welcomed that two BJP MPs from the state raised the concern in Parliament.

He also lauded the Supreme Court for staying the High Court order to axe apple orchards grown on encroached forest land, calling it ill-timed despite opposing illegal encroachments.

Criticising BJP over the minimum import price (MIP), he said misleading claims were made despite the Centre confirming no proposal existed. Expressing concern over rain-induced disasters, he urged for concrete policies and long-term planning to mitigate environmental damage.