Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday has stated that he would write to the Union government and Prime Minister Modi, urging a ban on apple imports from Turkey.
Highlighting the efforts of local horticulturists in establishing Himachal Pradesh as a prominent apple-growing state, Sukhu expressed concern over the declining prices faced by growers due to imported apples.
"For the past some time, apples imported from Turkey and America have hit apple growers of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir … I will write to the Union government and the prime minister to ban apple imports from Turkey," Sukhu said.
Sukhu added that he would personally raise the issue during the meeting of all chief ministers scheduled for May 24, convened by the Prime Minister.
The apple industry in Himachal Pradesh is estimated to be worth around Rs 4,500 crore.
In another announcement, the Chief Minister said that offices of regulatory authorities such as those governing GST and real estate would be relocated outside Shimla to reduce congestion in the city, while government departments will continue to operate within Shimla.
He also assured that women employees would have the option to stay in Shimla, and new staff would be appointed accordingly. Buildings constructed at considerable expense by the previous BJP government in Dharamshala and Mandi, which remain vacant, will be put to use.
Welcoming tourists, Sukhu described Himachal Pradesh as a peaceful and safe destination, inviting visitors to enjoy its fresh air and natural beauty.
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