Apple Growers to Protest India-US Trade Deal Allowing Duty-Free US Apple Imports

Apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand plan to protest in Delhi in March against the India-US interim trade agreement that allows duty-free imports of US apples. The Apple Farmers' Federation of India (AFFI) argues this will harm domestic producers due to heavy US subsidies and reduced import tariffs from 50% to zero. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has pledged support. AFFI demands scrapping the deal, citing concerns over India's economic sovereignty and the impact on local livelihoods.