Srinagar: Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider of removing taxes on the imported US Apples, Walnuts, and Almonds saying it will have a devastating effect on Kashmir’s horticulture industry, already struggling to cope with the challenges of the past few years.
The government of India last week announced its decision to remove additional duties on US products like apples, walnuts and almonds among other items before the MODI-BIDEN meeting in New Delhi amid G20. The additional levies were imposed in 2019 as a retaliatory measure to the United States raising tariffs on certain steel and aluminium items.
“GOIs decision to remove additional duties on apples, walnuts & almonds will have a devastating effect on local growers in J&K already grappling with huge losses post 2019. Hope @PMOIndia reconsiders,” the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kashmir produces 75 percent of India's total apple production. The horticulture industry is the backbone of the region’s economy, and it provides employment to millions of people. Currently, five lakh families (around 25 lakh people) are practicing horticulture in the region.