Irked over zero tariff on US apple imports, Himachal growers call for mass agitation

Apple accounts for nearly 80% of the state’s total fruit production and generates an annual income of around ?4,500 crore. The crop is the backbone of Himachal’s rural economy, directly and indirectly supporting 5–6 lakh families. Growers point out that Himachal produces only 7–8 tonnes of apples per hectare, compared to 40–70 tonnes per hectare in countries such as New Zealand, China, the US and Iran, owing to better geography, advanced technology and mechanisation abroad. Production in the state has further declined in recent years due to climate change, erratic weather, reduced snowfall, prolonged dry spells and natural disasters such…