The reduction of import duty from 50 to 25 percent alters the contours of the apple business in Kashmir. This holds true even though it is not a blanket reduction of import duty on all apples from New Zealand.

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, concluded just yesterday, represents a calibrated and cautious opening up of the market. It has thoughtfully introduced a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system specifically designed to protect domestic producers from undue competition.

Under this arrangement, up to 32,500 tonnes of New Zealand apples in the first year— increasing gradually to 45,000 tonnes by year six— will qualify for the reduced duty of 25 percent. This concession is, however, subject to a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of USD 1.25 per kg to ensure a level of price discipline.

Any imports that exceed this quota will continue to........

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