<h1>Reduction in import duty on New Zealand apples risks local growers; Himachal CM will press central government for protective measures.</h1> The Chief Minister will press the Union finance and commerce ministries to protect local growers from tariff reductions in recent trade negotiations that reduce apple duties from 50% to 25%, set pears at 16.5% and kiwis at zero, arguing these tariff reductions under the Free Trade Agreement will allow cheaper imports to flood the market and threaten livelihoods, and growers may pursue coordinated marches and political measures if exclusions or remedies are not secured.