Amid growing concerns in India’s hill states about the import of apples and tree nuts under the India–US trade agreement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has clarified the government’s position, reassuring domestic growers that their interests are being protected.
Goyal said that India has not fully “opened up” the apple market to foreign imports, and the country continues to safeguard its farmers through a carefully designed trade structure. He emphasized that the government is aware of the concerns raised by farmers in apple-producing states such as Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
The current system includes several measures to protect local growers. These include import quotas that limit the amount of apples and tree nuts that can be brought in, minimum import prices that prevent cheap foreign goods from undercutting Indian products, and duties on certain imports to ensure fair competition. Such steps aim to shield domestic farmers from the full force of international competition while fulfilling India’s trade commitments.
The Commerce Minister also highlighted that these rules are part of a broader effort to balance India’s trade agreements with the welfare of farmers. He said that the government regularly monitors import trends and market conditions to make sure that local producers are not negatively impacted.
Farmers in hill states had expressed worries that increased imports could affect their income, especially during peak harvesting seasons when prices are sensitive. The government’s approach, according to Goyal, seeks to protect these farmers’ livelihoods while allowing trade with the United States to continue under mutually agreed terms.
Goyal further stated that India remains committed to international trade rules but will not compromise on the economic security of its farmers. He assured growers that the government will continue to engage with state authorities and farming communities to address any emerging challenges in the market.
This clarification comes at a time when the India–US trade framework is being closely watched by stakeholders in both countries, as agricultural trade has become an important part of bilateral discussions. By maintaining quotas, minimum import prices, and duties, India aims to strike a balance between trade liberalization and domestic agricultural protection.