Legislators oppose plan to lower import duties on American apples, walnuts

Jammu, Mar 12: The legislators Wednesday raised their concerns over the Central government’s plans to lower import duty on Washington apples, walnuts, and almonds.

During the discussion on demands for grants, ruling National Conference (NC) legislator Tanvir Sadiq drew the House's attention to the issue.

“There are reports about the Central government contemplating to reduce import duty on American apples, walnuts, and almonds,” Sadiq said.

He said that it would significantly impact the apple industry.

Soon other NC legislators rose from their seats and raised the issue.

They said that the apple industry was the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and the move would severely impact it.

Amidst a brief din created by the legislators, the Speaker asked them to take their seats.

In response, Minister for Agriculture Javed Ahmad Dar said that it was a genuine concern.

He assured the House that the issue would be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and taken up with the Central government.

There were reports about the Central government considering either lowering or eliminating the import duties on American apples, walnuts, almonds, and cranberries.

According to the report, the initiative aims to strengthen trade relations with the United States, with both nations targeting USD 500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.