Himachal Pradesh Fights for Apple Growers with Import Duty Proposal

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss apple imports from Turkiye affecting local growers. He advocated for a universal hike in import duty to protect growers' interests and discussed financial challenges and state initiatives with the Finance Minister.

In a bid to shield local apple growers, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the impact of apple imports from Turkiye. The Chief Minister urged a universal increase in import duty on apples to safeguard the interests of domestic producers.

Chief Minister Sukhu also addressed budgetary and financial challenges facing the state. Seeking federal assistance, he called for raising the borrowing limit for Himachal Pradesh and other special category states by at least two percent to alleviate financial burdens.

Highlighting proactive measures by the state government, Sukhu briefed Sitharaman on efforts to enhance fiscal management and resource augmentation amid economic constraints. However, he emphasized the need for increased collaboration with the Union Government to ensure sustainable development.

(With inputs from agencies.)