Speaker Sandhwan slams Centre over cut in apple import duty: Swadeshi in words, East India Company in deeds
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 28, 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has strongly criticised the Central Government’s decision to reduce import duty on apples imported from New Zealand from 50 per cent to 25 per cent under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a direct betrayal of Indian farmers and a move completely contrary to the spirit of Swadeshi.
Sandhwan said that while the Central Government raises the slogan of promoting indigenous products, its policies are instead favouring foreign companies at the cost of domestic producers. He remarked that such decisions mirror the policies of the East India Company, which weakened local industries to benefit foreign commercial interests.
Highlighting the economic impact, the Speaker said the decision threatens India’s apple-based economy worth nearly ₹5,000 crore and endangers the livelihood of lakhs of farmer families dependent on horticulture, particularly in apple-growing regions.
He alleged that the Central Government has failed to honour its commitment to protect domestic farmers and agricultural producers, adding that such trade policies could severely destabilise the rural economy.
Appealing to the Centre, Sandhwan urged an immediate review of the decision and demanded strong measures to safeguard the interests of Indian farmers, especially those engaged in horticulture and fruit cultivation.