Himachal Pradesh (Kameshwar Sharma): The India New Zealand FTA apple tariff agreement signed on April 27, 2026 has triggered a major political controversy in India, especially across Himalayan states. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand has come under sharp criticism from Congress leader and MLA Kuldeep Rathore, who has accused the central government of ignoring the interests of apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.
The issue revolves around the India New Zealand FTA apple tariff structure, under which the Indian government has reportedly reduced the basic customs duty on apples imported from New Zealand from 50% to 25% within the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ). This move, according to critics, may significantly impact the domestic apple farming industry.
Concerns Raised Over Apple Growers
Kuldeep Rathore, who is also a national spokesperson of the Congress party, strongly criticized the agreement and called it “anti-horticulture.” He said the India New Zealand FTA apple tariff reduction will directly affect lakhs of apple growers in Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan regions who depend heavily on apple cultivation for their livelihood.
He warned that farmers are already struggling due to unpredictable weather conditions, rising production costs, and market instability. In such a situation, the reduction in import duty could flood the market with cheaper imported apples, creating unfair competition for local growers.
According to Rathore, the India New Zealand FTA apple tariff decision could weaken the entire horticulture economy in northern India and put long-term pressure on small and medium farmers.
Political Attack on BJP Government in India New Zealand FTA
Rathore launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, accusing it of being “anti-bagwan” (anti-fruit growers). He alleged that despite repeated warnings and letters sent to BJP MPs, no action or response was received on the issue.
He further stated that the silence of BJP leaders on the India New Zealand FTA apple tariff matter reflects a lack of concern for farmers’ welfare. According to him, the government must clarify whether it stands with Indian apple growers or foreign trade interests.
Rathore also claimed that the BJP’s past policies have repeatedly ignored horticulture concerns, especially in hill states where apple farming is the backbone of the economy.
Demand for Revision of Tariff Policy
The Congress leader demanded that the central government immediately reconsider the India New Zealand FTA apple tariff structure. He urged that the basic customs duty on imported apples from New Zealand should be increased again to protect domestic farmers from market disruption.
He emphasized that while international trade agreements are important for economic growth, they should not come at the cost of Indian farmers’ survival. According to him, a balanced trade policy is necessary, but not at the expense of agricultural livelihoods.
Impact on Himalayan States of India New Zealand FTA
The India New Zealand FTA apple tariff issue is particularly sensitive for states like Himachal Pradesh, where apple farming supports a large section of the population. Farmers fear that cheaper imported apples could reduce demand for locally grown produce, leading to income loss.
Similar concerns have been raised in Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, where horticulture plays a critical economic role. Experts believe that the implementation of this FTA could reshape the apple market dynamics in India.
Growing Demand for Government Clarification
As the debate intensifies, opposition leaders and farmer groups are demanding clear answers from the central government. The India New Zealand FTA apple tariff issue has now become a major political talking point, with calls for transparency and review of trade terms.
For now, the controversy continues to grow, reflecting the deep economic and political sensitivity surrounding India’s international trade agreements and their impact on domestic agriculture.
📌 Key Takeaways
- India signed FTA with New Zealand on April 27, 2026
- Apple import duty reduced from 50% to 25% under TRQ
- Kuldeep Rathore calls move harmful for apple growers
- Himachal, J&K & Uttarakhand farmers likely affected
- Demand rises to revise India New Zealand FTA apple tariff
