Srinagar, February 27, 2026 : Apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have announced a joint protest in Delhi next month against the proposed duty concession on apples imported from the United States, citing fears of severe losses to domestic producers.
India has reportedly granted a quota-based duty concession to the US under an interim trade pact, allowing a specified quantity of American apples to enter the Indian market without import duties. Growers fear that cheaper imports could flood the market and significantly impact prices for locally produced apples.
Formation of Apple Farmers Federation
MLA Kulgam and senior trade union leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that an Apple Farmers Federation of India (AFFI) has been formed, bringing together apple growers from Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
“We have decided to protest in Delhi in March against the trade deal to safeguard the interests of domestic apple growers,” Tarigami told reporters in Srinagar.
He added that the federation has sought solidarity from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the umbrella body that led the nationwide agitation against the three farm laws.
Support from Farmers’ Groups
According to Tarigami, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has assured support for the proposed protest. “They have promised that their leadership will join the demonstration in solidarity with apple farmers,” he said.
The Morcha had previously spearheaded year-long protests that culminated in the repeal of the controversial farm laws.
Concerns Over Trade Sovereignty
Commenting on the broader Indo-US trade arrangement, Tarigami described the deal as “practically a surrender,” alleging that it could undermine India’s trade sovereignty. He claimed that certain conditions in the agreement may restrict India’s flexibility in international trade decisions.
Impact on Kashmir Economy
Tarigami emphasized that the apple industry remains the backbone of the Kashmir economy.
“There are limited industrial units in Jammu and not many large-scale industries in Kashmir. Handicrafts are already in decline. Apples are our last major economic support, and we cannot compete with heavily subsidized American produce,” he said.
The announcement sets the stage for a coordinated farmers’ protest in the national capital, as growers demand policy safeguards to protect domestic horticulture from global trade pressures.
