24 March 2025, New Delhi: With discussions underway about lowering import duties on apples in the Kashmir Valley, local growers are voicing concerns about the industry’s future.
Growers have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Agriculture Minister, requesting measures to limit the entry of imported apples. High import duties have traditionally protected domestic apples, helping them stay competitive despite challenges with quality and productivity. A potential tariff cut raises fears of intense competition from higher-quality global imports.
Mir Khurram Shafi, Founder and CEO of Qul, has been cautioning against excessive reliance on protectionist policies for over a decade. During the 2011–12 FEEL farmer engagement programs, he highlighted the need for Kashmir’s apple industry to focus on improving quality, increasing productivity, and adopting modern techniques. Shafi has been a strong advocate for high-density apple plantations, a method that has already shown promising results for early adopters in Jammu and Kashmir.
His observations were included in a Harvard study, where he noted a shift in consumer expectations in India. “The availability of imported fruits has changed what consumers expect — they now look for uniform size, color, and taste in apples, with no blemishes,” he said. Unfortunately, many Indian apples are perceived as lower in quality compared to their international counterparts.
He pointed out that while only about 25% of Kashmir’s apple produce is considered high quality, countries like Italy achieve 80% in the same category. Despite this, Indian apples have managed to maintain their market share due to a 50% import duty. However, Shafi warned that agreements with the World Trade Organization could potentially lead to a reduction in this protective tariff in exchange for greater access to foreign markets for Indian produce, like mangoes.
Emphasizing the need for timely action, Shafi urged more growers to adopt high-density plantation techniques. “For those yet to make the switch, it’s essential to adapt now,” he advised. He reinforced Qul’s mission to equip growers for evolving market conditions, stating, “By focusing on quality and expanding high-density plantations, we aim to strengthen Kashmir’s apple industry, ensuring it can withstand global competition.”
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