
SRINAGAR -- With prices tumbling and unsold produce piling up, Kashmir's apple growers are demanding government help to curb imports from Iran which they say are undermining the centuries-old industry.
The agriculture sector is critical to the economy of the region of Jammu and Kashmir, with revenue of 100 billion rupees ($1.3 billion) per year, and is the main livelihood for around 3.3 million people. The region also contributes three-quarters of India's total apple production of 1.8 million to 2 million tons per year.