India, Dec. 26 -- The ruling National Conference (NC) on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to import apples under a new trade agreement with New Zealand, warning that the move could adversely affect Kashmir's apple industry.

In a statement, National Conference state spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said that the import of foreign apples in the past had negatively impacted local growers and traders. He demanded that imported apples should not be granted any tax exemption under the agreement and called for the imposition of a reasonable tax to protect the interests of Kashmiri apple farmers.

"Kashmiri apples are not only superior in taste but are also highly beneficial for health. No foreign apple can compete with the qualit...