Shimla, July 5 -- Apple growers across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday 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.

While the move was seen as a positive step to safeguard domestic apple farmers from cheaper imports, especially from Iran and Turkey, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of its implementation on the ground.

However, several farmer leaders warned that mere announcements without strict enforcement could render the move ineffective.

While speaking to ANI, Harish Chauhan, Convener of the Himachal Pradesh Sanyukt Kisan Manch, said, "Increasing the MIP to Rs 80 per kg is a welcome step by the Govt of India."

"We have not received a...