Speaker Sandhwan remarked that such steps by the Central Government are reminiscent of the policies of the East India Company, wherein foreign commercial interests were promoted at the cost of indigenous producers.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan strongly criticized the Central Government’s decision to reduce the import duty on apples from New Zealand from 50 per cent to 25 per cent under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He termed the move a “direct betrayal” of apple farmers and said it goes completely against the spirit of Swadeshi.
Speaker Sandhwan remarked that such steps by the Central Government are reminiscent of the policies of the East India Company, wherein foreign commercial interests were promoted at the cost of indigenous producers.
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He warned that this decision poses a serious threat to the country’s apple-based economy, valued at nearly ₹5,000 crore.
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He further stated that the livelihood of lakhs of farmer families dependent on horticulture would be adversely affected by this decision.
The Speaker alleged that the Central Government has failed to honour its commitment to protecting domestic producers.
Sandhwan urged the Central Government to immediately reconsider the decision and ensure the protection of the interests of the country’s farmers, particularly those engaged in horticulture.
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