New Delhi, Aug. 22 -- India has dispatched its first trial shipment of 1.2 metric tons of Garhwali Apples (King Roat variety) from Dehradun to Dubai, marking a step toward increasing and diversifying the country's agricultural exports.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently addressed apple growers in Srinagar regarding import concerns. He explained that imported apples cost Rs 75-80 per kg due to a Minimum Import Price of Rs 50, plus a 50 per cent import duty and additional cesses.

Clearance, marketing, transport, and distribution further raise retail prices to Rs. 125-150 per kg.

He emphasised that the government already provides significant support to domestic growers but must balance their interests with the needs of 1...