Srinagar, July 8 -- Kashmir produces nearly 75% of India's apples, yet in recent years, growers have found themselves squeezed from all sides: erratic weather, soaring input costs, poor post-harvest infrastructure, and, most significantly, the growing influx of cheaper imported apples, particularly from countries with whom India has signed or is negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs).

Currently, imported apples are subject to a minimum import price (MIP) of Rs 50 per kg and a 50% import duty. But traders at the FTII Conclave in Srinagar argue this is not enough. They point out that the actual consumer price, after layers of transport, branding, and retail margins, touches Rs 125-150 per kg. In such a scenario, imports priced lower at t...