Hakeem voices concern over 20% reduction in import duty on Washington apple, Says “Decision harmful for local fruit industry

Srinagar: Chairman Peoples Democratic Front ( PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed serious concern over the government decision to reduce 20 percent impor duty on Washington apple adding that the decision would have detrimental implications on the fruit industry of Jammu and Kashmir. He said reduction on import duty on Washington apple will make them cheaper, which the Kashmir apple cannot withstand for its survival in the open market.
In a statement issued on Thursday Hakeem while expressing his serious concern on decision to reduce imprt duty on Washington apple has urged the Central government to withdraw the order for protecting the Jammu and Kashmir fruit industry as also to protect the livelihood of fruit growers and traders. “ Fruit growers and traders of Jammu and Kashmir have been suffering heavy losses continuously during last few years due to low prices of thier produce in the market adding that the fresh move to reduce import duty on Washington apple was bound to harm thier business this year also , PDF leader observed . He said earlier also import of Iranian apple had caused a havoc to the fruit industry of jammu and kashmir , as the consumes purchase imported apples at cheaper price , though they have no such aroma and taste as that of Kashmir apple. He said levying of heavy duty on apple , imported to Indian market ,was imperative to protect interests of the the local business .
PDF Chairman has made a fervent appeal to Prime Minister Narendera Modi to review the decision about reducing 20 percent import duty on Washington apple to save local fruit growers and traders. He said ,god forbid , ,if fruit produce from Jammu and Kashmir could not fetch adequate remuneration in the market , during the current season also , the growers and traders would go bankrupt and their families will die of starvation for not any fault of theirs . “It was high time, that the centre comes to the rescue of the fruit growers of Jammu and Kashmir and provide them ensured market security for their survival , Hakeem urged.