Clamour to ban import of apples from Turkiye grows louder

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The clamour to ban the import of apples from Turkiye, which supports Pakistan in India’s fight against terrorism, continues to grow louder.

In Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, a delegation from the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, an amalgamation of over two dozen farmer and horticulturist groups from the State, on Tuesday (May 20, 2025) met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla with a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press for a ban on the import of apples from Turkiye.

Separately, a delegation from Tharonk village in the Kotkhai area of Shimla district met Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and demanded that the issue of a complete ban on the import of Turkish apples be taken up with the Union Government.

Sanyukt Kisan Manch convener Harish Chauhan said India currently imports apples from around 44 countries, with Turkiye exporting nearly 1.29 lakh metric tonnes of apples to India annually. Turkiye earns approximately ₹800 crore to ₹1,000 crore from apple exports to India, Mr. Chauhan said.

Himachal Pradesh produces between six to 10 lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, and about three lakh to four lakh families depended directly on the sector, the farmer leader said. “Banning apple imports from Turkiye would not only boost the economy of the State but also send a strong message to countries that support terrorism and maintain close ties with Pakistan,” he added.

Mr. Sukhu said on Monday (May 19, 2025) that he would write to the Prime Minister seeking such a ban. He also said he would personally speak with Mr. Modi on May 24, when he is due to meet the PM at a scheduled gathering of all Chief Ministers.