Decision to import apples from New Zealand could harm Kashmiri growers: NC

He demanded that no tax exemption be given to imported apples under the new agreement and that a reasonable tax must be imposed to safeguard the interests of Kashmiri apple growers.

“Kashmiri apples are not only superior in taste but are also highly beneficial for health. No foreign apple can compete with the quality of Kashmiri produce,” he said.

Dar highlighted that a large section of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry, which has already suffered losses of around Rs 2,000 crore this year due to adverse weather conditions, road closures, and floods.

He urged the Centre to refrain from taking any decision that could further damage the fragile apple economy of Jammu and Kashmir.