JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Walnut exporters today said that GST at 12 per cent will spell disaster for the walnut industry.
”Walnuts and Almonds being taxed @ 12 pc vis-a-vis other similar produce like cashew nuts and raisins is creating a disparity in one category,” Sujiv Jain, Member, J&K Walnut Exporters Association, here told reporters.
He said the state of Jammu and Kashmir is a traditional producer of walnuts, providing livelihood to thousands of people spread in the major hill districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Srinagar and Doda.
”J&K is number one exporter of the country and there is maximum demand of J&K walnut and badam at the international level,” Mr Jain added.
He said the Association has protested the levying of 12 per cent tax burden, proposed by the GST regime on the state’s walnut and almond industry, urging its reconsideration, to put it on par with similar produce from other states.
”Taxation under GST @ 12% will impact consumption and this in turn will heavily impact the economic returns to our growers,” he added (UNI)
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