Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Himachal CM seeks apple import ban
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, met with the Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal, to ask for a ban on apple imports during the months when apples are harvested in the state.
He also requested that the import duty on apples be increased to 100% during other months.
This is to help the 2.5 lakh farmers who grow apples in the state.
Apples make up 80% of the state's fruit production and bring in ₹4500 crore every year.
The Chief Minister is worried because apple imports have increased a lot over the past ten years and could increase even more due to a free trade agreement.
He also talked to the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, about this issue.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister Piyush Goyal to request a ban on apple imports during the peak season (July to November).
Sukhu urged a 100% import duty on apples in other months to discourage imports.
The CM highlighted the impact on 2.5 lakh apple farmers and the state's ₹4500 crore annual income from apples.
Apple imports have increased 2.5 times over the past ten years, with a 25% tariff from April to August and 50% in other months.
Sukhu also discussed the issue with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking swift action.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- What
- Requested ban on apple imports during peak season and increase in import duty
- When
- Meeting held on late Friday evening, January 17
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To protect the interests of apple farmers and the state's fruit production
- Chief Minister
- Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Union Minister
- Piyush Goyal
- Farmers Engaged
- 2.5 lakh
- Apple Contribution
- 80% of total fruit production
- Annual Income
- ₹4500 crore
- Import Duty
- 25% (April-August), 50% (other months)
- Import Increase
- 2.5 times in 10 years
