Shimla
BJP leader and MLA Dr. Janak Raj on Tuesday accused the Congress party of spreading misinformation to mislead apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, particularly over issues related to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Launching a sharp attack, Dr. Janak Raj said the Congress is indulging in “politics of lies” and attempting to create fear among farmers without any factual basis. He asserted that claims regarding the adverse impact of FTAs on apple growers are “far from reality.”
Highlighting trade data, he said India is the third-largest apple importer globally and imported around 5.57 lakh metric tonnes of apples in 2024–25, accounting for nearly 21.9% of domestic production. Despite this, he claimed that the Centre has implemented policies safeguarding the interests of Himachal’s apple growers.
Clarifying the provisions of the proposed agreement with the European Union (EU), he said a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) has been fixed below current import levels and will be gradually increased over a 10-year period. Additionally, a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹80 per kg has been set to prevent the influx of cheap foreign apples into the Indian market.
Dr. Janak Raj further stated that imported apples become significantly costlier after adding transportation, cold storage, and logistics expenses, reaching prices between ₹120 and ₹150 per kg in Indian markets. “Foreign apples will fall in the premium segment and will not compete with locally produced apples from Himachal,” he said.
He added that imports from countries like New Zealand and the United States are limited to high-end varieties, which would not negatively impact domestic prices but instead help maintain market balance.
Taking a dig at Congress, he alleged that the party lacks both factual understanding and concern for farmers. “Spreading misinformation for political gain has become their habit,” he said.
He emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Centre has prioritized the welfare of apple growers through measures aimed at boosting production, improving technology, and ensuring better returns.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Janak Raj said that farmers in Himachal are now more aware and capable of distinguishing between facts and misinformation, asserting that the BJP government remains committed to protecting their interests.
