Apple tariff shield in India–UK FTA a win for growers: JKPICCA

Srinagar, Jul 25: In a major relief to apple growers across the Himalayan belt, the Government of India has decided to retain tariff protection on apple imports in the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), shielding domestic growers from low-cost foreign competition.

Jammu & Kashmir Fruits and Vegetables Processing and Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA) welcomed the decision and said that during a recent meeting with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Srinagar, JKPICCA highlighted the key challenges facing Indian apple growers — from rising input costs and small landholdings to the growing threat of cheaper imports.

Chairman Bashir Ahmad Naik led the efforts, with the association’s outreach resonating at the policy level. Farmers and stakeholders across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have hailed the outcome as a “historic win.”

Beyond tariffs, the FTA also includes recognition of traditional farming knowledge as a form of intellectual property. JKPICCA welcomed this as a visionary step, saying it validates indigenous practices and ensures their place in global trade frameworks.

“This is not just a tariff safeguard — it’s a recognition of the resilience and legacy of Indian apple growers,” Naik said in a statement.

JKPICCA reiterated its commitment to championing farmer interests, enhancing cold-chain innovation, and promoting sustainable horticulture. The association also urged the government to maintain this farmer-first stance in future FTAs, especially in sectors vital to rural livelihoods and food security.