Traders prepared to boycott Turkish apples

In view of reports of a ban on apples from Turkey, traders in Pune’s market said that at present products from the country are yet to reach the state.

In the fiscal year of 2023-24, India had imported 11.76 lakh tonnes of apples from the country. (Representational Photo/ Pexels)

Traders in Pune and Mumbai’s wholesale fruit markets say the decision to ban imports of apples from Turkey would take effect later in the season as the season is yet to start there, however many traders confirmed that they would support the boycott. Apples from the USA, Poland, Iran, South Africa, traders said, would be more than enough to fulfill supply needs with domestic production from Himachal Pradesh and other parts of North India, traders say.

In view of reports of a ban on apples from Turkey, traders in Pune’s market said that at present products from the country are yet to reach the state. “Turkey’s season starts post October and continues for 3-4 months. At present apples from USA, Iran, South Africa are feeding the domestic demand along with domestic production,” said a trader from Pune’s wholesale market. Rohan Ursal, a trader from the market, said Poland has emerged as an important source market for apples in recent times.

After Turkey’s military support to Pakistan, calls for boycott of the country and its produce has grown loud in the country. In the fiscal year of 2023-24, India had imported 11.76 lakh tonnes of apples from the country. Pistachios, peas, masur are other major exports to India from Turkey.

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Traders in Pune’s market said they would participate in the ban. “Of course we will support the ban but Turkey will start exporting later in the year,” said a trader from Pune’s market yard. Traders assured that there would not be any shortfall in production or availability as the countries have reported good production figures till date. Post the conflict between Pakistan and A section of Indian citizens has called for the boycott of Turkey. Both these countries have helped Pakistan with arms and ammunition.

Both Turkey and Azerbaijan are major tourist destinations for Indian travellers. Last year trade sources said over 3.25 lakh Indian tourists had visited Turkey.

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