SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while chairing a meeting with representatives of orchardists, expressed concern over the reduction of import duty on apples from New Zealand, as it has been affecting the interests of orchardists.
He assured them on Tuesday that the issue would be raised with the Central government to find a way out to address the concerns.
"I will meet the Union Finance and the Commerce Minister and urge them to take necessary measures to protect the interests of the orchardists of the state, " he said, adding that apple production is a major pillar of the state's economy and its protection and promotion is a top priority of the government.