Iranian Apple Influx Spurs 40% Drop in Demand for Kashmiri Apples, Growers Appeal to PM Modi for Intervention

Iranian Apple Influx Spurs 40% Drop in Demand for Kashmiri Apples, Growers Appeal to PM Modi for Intervention

Asif Iqbal | November 17, 2023 | 09:51 PM IST | Horticulture, Jammu Kashmir, World | Follow on Google News

Iranian Apple Influx Spurs 40% Drop in Demand for Kashmiri Apples, Growers Appeal to PM Modi for Intervention

Iranian Apple Influx Spurs 40% Drop in Demand for Kashmiri Apples, Growers Appeal to PM Modi for Intervention

Over the past 35 days, India’s prominent fruit market, Azadpur, has witnessed the importation of 7,267 metric tonnes of apples from Iran and Afghanistan. This contrasts with a substantial shipment of 89,000 metric tonnes of Kashmiri apples during the same period. Local growers and dealers in the valley argue that the surge in Iranian apple imports has resulted in a more than 40 percent reduction in demand for Kashmiri apples.

Responding to concerns about potential losses in Kashmir’s horticulture sector, authorities have undertaken an assessment of the quantity of apple imports from Iran and Afghanistan. Official data reveals that, from October 10 to November 15, a total of 29 metric tonnes of apples were exported from Iran to Azadpur Mandi, New Delhi, India’s largest fruit market.

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During this period, the valley dispatched 89,000 metric tonnes of apples to Azadpur mandi, while Afghanistan contributed 7,238 metric tonnes of apples to the same market. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Deputy Director of the Central Horticulture Planning and Marketing department, refuted claims that the influx of Iranian and Afghan apples significantly impacted the valley’s fruit industry.Mir clarified, “Our country has a free trade policy with Afghanistan, and in the last 35 days, 7,238 metric tonnes of apples have been imported from the country.

From Iran, which is subject to export duty, 29 metric tonnes of apples were exported. During the same time, Kashmir shipped 89,000 metric tonnes of apples, indicating that these imports from both these countries are relatively less than the quantity of apples shipped from Kashmir.”Mir emphasized that the market demand for Kashmiri apples has been strong this year, stating, “We had better market demand for Kashmiri apples this year.

Our growers obtained better rates in different markets across India.”Despite the positive market conditions, growers and dealers have raised concerns by writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their letter highlights a decrease in the rates of Grade ‘A’ Kashmir apples and calls for the imposition of a ban or a 100 percent excise duty on Iranian apples to address the apprehensions of fruit growers in the valley, Himachal, and Uttarakhand.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.