Rising Boycott of Turkish Apples: What You Need to Know Amid Diplomatic Strains

Shimla: Boycott of Turkish Apples Gains Momentum

A growing movement is calling for a boycott of apples imported from Turkey. This reaction follows recent diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, particularly concerning Turkey’s perceived support for Pakistan. Many believe this situation affects local farmers and is even influencing tourism to Turkey.

Countries like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, known for their apple production, are particularly vocal. Local growers fear that cheaper Turkish apples will hurt their income as they compete during the busy harvesting season.

Local Leaders Speak Out

The push against Turkish apples primarily began in Himachal Pradesh, with politicians and farmers expressing their frustration. They argue that Turkey’s stance during recent conflicts undermines India’s interests.

Kuldeep Rathore, a Congress MLA, said, "Turkey is hurting India by supporting Pakistan. We must ban Turkish apples immediately."

Vikramaditya Singh, a Cabinet Minister in Himachal Pradesh, echoed those thoughts, emphasizing that the Turkish apple imports are harming local farmers. "Our government will take this issue to the Central Government because foreign apples are driving down regional prices," he stated.

Rising Imports from Turkey

India imports a significant amount of apples from Turkey. Over the last five years, nearly half a million metric tons have made their way to Indian markets. Just last year, imports peaked at around 129,254 metric tons, valued at approximately ₹813 crores.

Turkey is now the largest supplier of apples to India, making up 23% of total apple imports. Other major suppliers include Iran and Afghanistan, but none come close to Turkey’s share.

Consumer Boycott Spreads

The call for a boycott is resonating across various states. Markets in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are witnessing traders refusing to sell these imports.

Suyog Zende, an apple trader in Pune, mentioned, "We stopped buying Turkish apples because of their support for Pakistan. Our customers don’t want them either. So, we’re boycotting."

Impact on Indian Farmers

Local growers insist that Turkish apples, particularly during peak seasons, lower the prices of their own apples, causing them financial strain. Currently, a 50% import duty on foreign apples isn’t enough to protect local farmers.

Sanjeev Chauhan, a gardener in Himachal, pointed out how low prices for Turkish apples present unfair competition. "If Turkish apples cost ₹90 to ₹100, it directly hurts our sales," he explained.

Nahar Singh Chaudhary, a former industry leader, added that the arrival of Turkish apples during the Indian harvesting season has widely impacted local markets.

Broader Economic Implications

The backlash against Turkish apples represents a larger dissatisfaction with Turkey’s diplomatic stance. Traders and industry leaders are calling for a wider boycott of Turkish products. Kapil Surana, a local industry figure, stated, "This boycott will encourage more support for Indian goods and send a strong message globally."

Naveen Goyal, representing merchants in Pune, urged customers to avoid Turkish products, emphasizing it’s in India’s best interest.

Additionally, reports show a decline in Indian tourists visiting Turkey, indicating that these tensions are affecting people-to-people interactions.

Overall Trends in Apple Imports

While imports of fresh apples have generally risen in value, the call for stricter measures against Turkey indicates a pressing concern among local growers.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, the value of apple imports from Turkey reached about $90 million, solidifying their place as the top supplier to India.

Demand for Protective Measures

Given the challenges local farmers face, many are pushing for a 100% import duty on foreign apples. They believe this step is vital to ensure fair competition and safeguard their livelihoods in an increasingly competitive market.

In summary, the call to boycott Turkish apples isn’t just about economics; it’s also a reaction to the broader geopolitical landscape. The actions of Turkey have stirred a significant response among Indian farmers and consumers alike, reflecting a blend of local and national sentiments.

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