Indian farmers fear a flood of cheap New Zealand apples if duty cuts take effect
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Indian apple growers in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh expressed concern over a proposed India-New Zealand free trade agreement that would halve import duties from 50% to 25%.
Background
The proposed agreement aims to reduce import duties on New Zealand apples from 50% to 25%. The apple trade in Kashmir supports the livelihoods of over 15 lakh families.
Facts for Prelims
- FactProposed import duty reduction for New Zealand apples: from 50% to 25%
- PlaceMajor apple-growing regions in India: Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- FactNumber of families in Kashmir reliant on apple trade: over 15 lakh
For Mains
Q. Discuss the trade-offs between pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and protecting domestic agricultural ecosystems and livelihoods in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Market destabilization: Risk of cheaper imports undercutting domestic prices and threatening the post-harvest ecosystem
- Livelihood vulnerability: Potential financial hardship for over 15 lakh families in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- Policy trade-off: Balancing trade liberalization goals with the protection of domestic agricultural capital investments
Keywords: Free Trade Agreement · Market Distortion · Livelihood Security · Trade Liberalization · Agricultural Ecosystem
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.