Economic Crisis of 5,000 Crores: Rathore Sounds Alarm Bells

Illicit Import of Apples from Afghanistan Creates Havoc

Shimla, February 6 – Kuldeep Rathore, spokesperson for the All India Congress Committee and legislator, raised concerns over the illicit import of apples from Iran through Afghanistan. This unauthorized influx is causing significant damage to the apple orchards in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing the media in Shimla, Rathore urged the central government to take immediate measures to curb this issue.

He emphasized that the apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are facing substantial losses due to the influx of apples from Iran, which enter the country through Afghanistan. Rathore appealed to Members of Parliament to raise this issue prominently in the Parliament and pressurize the central government to take swift action.

Rathore highlighted that Himachal Pradesh contributes significantly to apple production, with 20 to 22 assembly constituencies engaged in apple cultivation. He called upon Jairam Thakur, a prominent leader, to join the efforts in bringing this matter to the forefront of the central government’s attention for the sake of justice to the state’s orchard owners.

The Congress leader accused the central government of failing to effectively prevent the illicit import of apples, despite the promises made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister during the previous Lok Sabha elections. Rathore asserted that the imposition of a 100% import duty on apples was reduced to 30%, contrary to the commitment to increase it to 100%.

Rathore further alleged that the central government yielded to pressure from major apple traders, adversely affecting the apple industry in Himachal Pradesh. He claimed that the Modi government, which had pledged to double the income of farmers, has instead plunged them into an economic crisis.

Additionally, Rathore pointed out the rising fuel prices, with diesel and petrol remaining stable while crude oil prices have plummeted from INR 120 per barrel in June 2022 to INR 77 per barrel in February 2024. He criticized the government for allowing corporations to reap profits while common citizens struggle with no relief in sight.