Shimla, July 5 -- Apple growers across Himachal Pradesh have welcomed the Centre's recent decision to increase the Minimum Import Price (MIP) for imported apples from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 80 per kg.

However, they have also raised concerns over its lack of implementation on the ground and demanded a 100 per cent import duty on foreign apples, especially in light of possible trade negotiations with the United States.

Speaking to ANI, Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Himachal Pradesh Samyukt Kisan Manch, said that the increase in MIP is welcome and needs to be brought into practice on the ground.

"We welcome the Government of India's decision to revise the Minimum Import Price from Rs 50 to Rs 80 per kg. But we want to make it very clear, un...