Srinagar, January 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in response to the fresh ant-Kashmiris’ move by Modi-led fascist Indian government, Kashmir-based apple growers and sellers, today, called for a ban on the Iranian apple imports saying the smuggling of the apple has threatened the centuries-old apple industry in the valley.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, today, President of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealer’s Association Bashir Ahmad Bashir said the demand of Kashmiri apples in Indian markets is less owing to the availability of cheaper Iranian apples.

Bashir further said that untaxed Iranian apples this year are being imported into the Indian markets, taking away the profits from Kashmir apple growers and traders. He said that despite repeated requests, New Delhi has not paid any heed towards the matter, leaving the Valley-based apple growers in a lurch.

Bashir Ahmad Bashir said the rates of Kashmiri apples have declined from Rs 1200 per box to Rs 600 in the past few days in the outside markets. “The production cost of one apple box is Rs 600, moreover the transport and other charges costs Rs 300 per box,” Bashir added. Bashir said that, as per information, many people have dumped the Iranian apples at the ports of Mumbai and Chennai, which they later sell at low rates in the Indian market as compared to Kashmiri apples.

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