The Times of India (ToI) reported last week that the Indian government restricted the import of apples, where the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) import price is less than or equal to 50 Indian Rupees per kilogram (approximately $0.60). However, this condition does not apply to apples from Bhutan, said the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The ban comes based on a recommendation from the agriculture ministry, said ToI, which expects shipments from Iran, UAE, and Afghanistan to be particularly hit. According to India’s Economic Times, apple imports reached $260 million last year, “with Turkey, Italy, Iran and Chile being the top sources.”

Apple farmers in Kashmir have complained that imported apples, particularly Iranian apples, are depressing the prices of Indian produce.

As part of a Free Trade Agreement between India and Iran, apple imports are allowed to enter the country duty-free. A report published last year highlighted this drastically changed the rates of fruits in domestic markets.

Losses incurred by Indian farmers, as well as transporters, cold storage owners and traders, gave rise to demands to restrict relatively cheap apples and give precedence to local produce.