The North News
Shimla, July 4
The Central government has raised the minimum import price (MIP) for foreign apples from ₹50 to ₹80 per kilogram in a bid to protect domestic growers, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. The move, hailed by orchardists as a long-awaited relief, follows sustained pressure from local horticulturists over cheap imports flooding the Indian market.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare revised the MIP after growers expressed concerns that low-priced imported apples were undermining India’s apple economy. With the new threshold, no foreign apples can now be imported for less than ₹80 per kg.
Himachal Pradesh BJP leader and apple grower Chetan Bragta welcomed the decision, calling it a “major relief” for local producers. “This change will keep substandard imports at bay. With a 50% import duty on top of the ₹80/kg floor price, the effective cost will rise to ₹120–₹130 per kg—making Indian apples more competitive,” he said.
The announcement comes amid political sparring over apple trade policies. Bragta accused Congress leaders of inaction, pointing out that former Union Minister Anand Sharma had earlier signed an MoU on apple imports. He also criticised Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore for “not doing his homework.”
Bragta added that the revised MIP makes the ongoing debate over raising import duties “irrelevant,” arguing that the new pricing mechanism itself ensures a level playing field for Indian growers.
The Central government has increased the minimum import price (MIP) for foreign apples from ₹50 to ₹80 per kilogram, a move welcomed by horticulturists in Himachal Pradesh. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare raised the MIP by ₹30 following growing demands from apple growers to protect domestic producers from cheap imports.
Himachal Pradesh BJP leader and orchardist Chetan Bragta hailed the decision as a “major relief,” stating that it would prevent the influx of low-priced imported apples and stabilise returns for local growers. “No apple will now be imported for less than ₹80 per kg. With a 50% import duty, the final cost will rise to around ₹120–₹130 per kg. This will safeguard India’s apple economy,” Bragta said. The decision comes amid political wrangling over apple import duties. Bragta took aim at the opposition, pointing out that former Union Minister Anand Sharma had signed an MoU on apple imports. He also criticised Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore for “not doing his homework.”
Bragta added that with the revised MIP in place, the debate over import duty had become “irrelevant,” as the new price threshold already ensures market protection for Indian growers.
