Azadpur Mandi, the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Asia, has said it will stop importing apples from Turkey due to persistent diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
“We have decided to stop all fresh imports of apples from Turkey. Although consignments booked earlier will continue to arrive, no more trade in apples or other vegetables will happen in the future,” confirmed Meetha Ram Kriplani, chairman of the Azadpur Fruit Mandi.
Kriplani mentioned that the decision was taken after a deep analysis of the prevailing geopolitical situation. “We have long supported Turkish trade, but the prevailing situation has left us with no option,” he further said.
Turkish apples were long a priority at Azadpur, with imports hitting 1.16 lakh tonnes in 2024. But Kriplani mentioned that recent statements and actions by Turkey against India have disillusioned the traders.
The decision represents a major shift in the mandi’s procurement strategy. Kriplani said the market is now seeking alternative countries to fulfill its apple supply needs in the coming months.
Protests broke out in Delhi meanwhile as many trader bodies called for a ban on Turkish product import and marketing. “Turkey’s latest political attitude towards India is not acceptable and has been detrimental to national feelings,” a joint statement by Delhi trader bodies stated.
