The boycott comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, with Turkish government statements and actions drawing criticism from various quarters in India. In response, Pune’s fruit traders’ associations have decided to stop stocking and selling Turkish apples, one of the most popular imported fruits in the region.
Traders say the boycott is a response to Turkey’s perceived anti-India stance on international platforms and its vocal support for issues contrary to Indian interests. The move is also intended to encourage consumers to buy more Indian apples and other local fruits, thereby supporting the livelihoods of Indian farmers, especially those in Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.
The boycott has led to a visible reduction in Turkish apple stocks at Pune’s major fruit markets, including the wholesale Mandai and Gultekdi markets. Retailers are prominently displaying Indian apples and pomegranates, urging customers to choose homegrown produce.
With Turkish apples off the shelves, traders are promoting apples from Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Maharashtra, as well as other fruits like pomegranates, which have seen a boost in exports and local demand. Many Pune residents have welcomed the move, expressing pride in supporting Indian farmers and local produce. Some have noted that Indian apples are fresher and more affordable compared to imported alternatives.
The boycott of Turkish apples is part of a larger trend in India toward agricultural self-reliance and reduced dependence on imports. Recent years have seen government and industry initiatives to boost domestic fruit production and exports, such as India’s growing pomegranate trade with the US.
The decision aligns with ongoing campaigns to promote Indian goods and reduce imports from countries perceived as unfriendly or competitive. With Maharashtra’s farmers facing issues like crop damage, debt, and fluctuating prices, local support from traders and consumers is seen as crucial for their economic survival.
Pune’s fruit markets are offering a wide variety of Indian apples and seasonal fruits to fill the gap left by Turkish imports. Traders are also highlighting the cultural and nutritional value of traditional fruits like pomegranates, which have deep roots in Pune’s food culture.Local fruits are often fresher, having traveled shorter distances and spent less time in storage. Fruits like pomegranates and apples are not only staples in Indian households but also hold ceremonial and medicinal value in Maharashtra.
