Dry fruits industry seeks lower import duty in budget
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: India’s dry fruits industry lobby has urged the government to lower tariffs on walnut imports, cut goods and services tax (GST) for the sector and introduce production-linked incentives (PLI) in the upcoming Union Budget.
GST and import tariffs on dry fruits are higher than other food commodities. “In our pre-budget proposals, we have requested the government for subsidies and taxation benefits for the sector, including rationalization of tariffs," Gunjan V Jain, president of the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC) said on Wednesday.
“Some of the products like walnuts are heavily taxed, but sadly the Indian production is just 20% of India's needs." Also Read | India imported dry fruits worth $2.85 billion in 2023, making it the world's largest importer of dry fruits Tariffs are making that product more expensive to the final consumer, he said, suggesting a walnut import duty at ₹100 per kg against current tariff of 100% on total invoice. For almonds, the duty is ₹35 per kg. “Rationalization of duties, GST reduction to 5% from 12%-18% (considering it a health product), production-linked incentives, better infrastructure and more funds for research and development for the industry are something that we are seeking from the government," Jain said, after announcing the second edition of dry fruits exhibition, MEWA India 2025, scheduled for 12-14 February in Mumbai.
Also Read | Budget 2025 wishlist | Parity between debt and equity taxation To be sure, GST changes are out of the ambit of the Union Budget and are announced after approval from the GST Council, which includes representatives of state governments as members. India imported dry fruits worth $2.85 billion in
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