Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged Indian govt take immediate action to protect interests of Indian farmers.
"Indian Farmers' Livelihoods at Risk Due to Cheap American Apple Imports": In view of the situation created by the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US, farmers of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are facing serious threat from the import of cheap American apples in the Indian market. In this regard, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union (KVFGU) has warned that the influx of low-priced apples will create a situation in the market where the livelihood of over 7 lakh families dependent on apple farming may be at risk due to the fall in prices.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged the Indian government to take immediate action to protect the interests of Indian farmers. He mentioned the key demands like protective counter-tariff under which matching duty should be imposed on American apples to ensure a level playing field for Indian producers. He further said that there is a need for immediate economic relief in this direction under which financial assistance should be provided to farmers to prevent loss of income and ensure continuous production.
He further said that farmer-friendly trade agreements are needed to protect the livelihood of Indian farmers in all trade relations with the US. He stressed on strengthening agricultural infrastructure in terms of modernization of storage facilities, smooth transportation and market access to increase the competitiveness of Indian products.
Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that our farmers are the backbone of the Indian economy. Their sweat and hard work nourish the country. It is not at all reasonable and acceptable that they face any difficulty due to international trade wars. He further said that if the government does not intervene in this matter, then we are in danger of losing our livelihood as well as the agricultural heritage of our generations.
He further said that cheap imports of products from abroad may benefit some traders, but it will destroy the lives of many small and marginal farmers. We cannot allow profit-oriented policies to crush the farmers who feed us.
He further said that this is not just about apples, it is a matter of every Indian farmer standing shoulder to shoulder. He further said that the government should ensure that our farmers are provided with a fair price for their produce, a fair market and a fair environment. Sandhwan said that I stand with my farmers and I request the government to also ensure that the interests of the farmers are protected without delay.
