Sounding like Trump’s Mouthpiece, Sudhir Chaudhary Faces Farmer Fury for Promoting Washington Apples Over Indian Produce...
Shimla/ Srinagar / Dehradun | April 11: Indian apple farmers from the hill states of Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand have erupted in outrage over remarks made by senior journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, who recently praised the import of Washington apples during his show.
Farmers have accused Chaudhary of acting like a "mouthpiece of Donald Trump," promoting foreign apples at the cost of domestic growers and their hard-earned livelihoods.
Chaudhary claimed that Washington apples would be cheaper and better in taste for Indian consumers, sparking widespread condemnation on social media.
Farmers called his comments a "death warrant" for nearly 10 lakh families dependent on apple cultivation in India’s mountain regions.
“What Mr. Chaudhary has said is not just insensitive — it’s a betrayal,” said an apple grower from Shimla. “While Prime Minister Modi promotes 'Vocal for Local,' he seems to be pushing ‘Global for Local’ by endorsing imported apples.”
Agricultural experts have also raised red flags.
Renowned food and trade policy expert Dr. Devinder Sharma pointed out that Washington apples are infested with over 108 types of pests and diseases, as per international reports.
In contrast, Indian apple farmers, who already struggle with minimal government support, receive a subsidy of just ₹34,411 per farmer — a stark comparison to American farmers who get subsidies of nearly ₹79 lakh.
Farmers across social media platforms lashed out, saying Chaudhary has demonstrated his anti-Modi streak when it comes to apples, undermining the government’s push for local produce and self-reliance.
They accuse him of ignoring the harsh realities faced by Indian orchardists, who brave difficult mountain conditions and fluctuating markets to keep their orchards alive.
“While Mr. Chaudhary enjoys the comforts of his studio and a fat media package, we toil day and night in unpredictable weather. His comments are not just irresponsible — they are dangerous for our survival, and expose his brand of journalism” said a farmer from Shimla apple belt.
The backlash is part of a larger sentiment brewing among farmers and local producers, who fear that the unchecked promotion of foreign imports will devastate domestic agriculture.
Chaudhary has failed as a journalist and he will never command respect of farmers, so will be a TV Channel he represents.
#SupportIndianFarmers
#VocalForLocal
#StopFarmersExploitation
#IndianApplesFirst
#ChaudharyExposed
