Apple growers from the Himalayan belt, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are preparing for a major protest in New Delhi. The Apple Farmers’ Federation of India (AFFI) has announced a demonstration outside the Parliament in March 2026. They are demanding better protection for domestic fruits against the cheaper imports coming from the United States, which they fear will destroy their livelihood.
Why are farmers opposed to the new trade rules?
The primary reason for the unrest is the reduction in import duties on Washington apples. Under a new trade agreement, the tax on US apples has been slashed from 50% to 25%. Farmers argue that this drastic cut allows American companies to flood the Indian market with cheaper produce. While the government has set a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹80 per kg to control prices, grower associations feel this measure is insufficient.
Experts point out that with the reduced duty, American apples can now land in India at an effective cost of around ₹100 per kg. This means they could be sold in retail markets for approximately ₹135 per kg, competing directly with premium Indian varieties. Farmers assert that they face higher production costs and receive fewer subsidies compared to US growers, making this an unequal competition.
Details of the planned protest in Delhi
The federation has finalized its plan to mobilize farmers for a ‘Worker-Farmer Parliament’ at Jantar Mantar on March 9, 2026. This event is scheduled during the second leg of the Parliament’s Budget Session. Leaders like M.Y. Tarigami and Rakesh Singha are leading the charge, calling the trade deal a surrender to foreign corporate interests.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has also pledged its full support to the agitation. The organizers highlight that the apple economy supports over 15 lakh families in the hill states. They are demanding a rollback of the duty cuts or stricter protective measures to ensure domestic produce remains viable against international imports.
