Chandigarh, 12 March:
In light of the looming United States reciprocal tariffs, farmers across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand face a severe threat from cheap American apple imports flooding Indian markets. In this connection, The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union (KVFGU) has sounded the alarm, warning that this influx of low-cost apples will shrink market space, crash prices, and endanger the livelihoods of over 7 lakh families dependent on apple farming.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged the Government of India to act immediately to protect Indian farmer’s interests. He outlined key demands such as Protective Counter-Tariffs under which matching duties should be imposed on US apples to ensure a level playing field for Indian growers. In addition, he added that Immediate Economic Relief is needed under which financial support should be provided to farmers to prevent income loss and ensure continued production.
He further informed that Pro-Farmer Trade Negotiations are needed to ensure Indian farmers’ livelihoods remain non-negotiable in all trade talks with the US. Besides this, he stressed for Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure resulting in modernization of storage facilities, transportation, and market access to boost the competitiveness of Indian produce.
Kultar Singh Sandhwan stated that our farmers are the backbone of India’s economy. Their sweat and toil nourish the nation. It is unacceptable for them to suffer at the hands of international trade wars. If the Government does not step in, we are at risk of losing not only livelihoods but also generations of agricultural heritage.
He further added that cheap foreign imports may benefit a few traders, but they will devastate countless small and marginal farmers. We cannot let profit-driven policies crush the hands that feed us.
He further highlighted that this is not just about apples, it’s about standing up for every Indian farmer. He added that the Government must ensure our farmers get fair prices, fair markets, and a fair future. I stand with our farmers, and I urge the government to do the same, without delay”, said Sandhwan.
