‘Import of Iranian, Afghan apples to India affecting IIOJK’s fruit industry’

Srinagar, Apple farmers in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are facing severe problems as 7,267 metric tonnes of apples have been imported from Iran and Afghanistan in the last 35 days to India’s largest fruit market, Azadpur, New Delhi.

According to Kashmir Media Service, fruit growers and dealers in the valley said the demand for Kashmiri apples has fallen by more than 40 percent due to the arrival of Iranian apples.

Deputy Director of Central Horticulture, Planning and Marketing Department Manzoor Ahmed Mir said there is a policy of free trade with Afghanistan and during the last 35 days, 7,267 metric tonnes of apples have been imported from there and 29 metric tonnes from Iran.

Kashmiri growers and dealers have written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over the import of Iranian apples. The letter calls for a ban or 100 percent excise duty on Iranian apples.

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