13 May,2025 07:50 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Citizens have also joined the `Ban Turkey` movement by buying apples that are sourced from other regions. Representational pic
Following Turkey's open support for Pakistan amid the India-Pakistan tensions, a widespread "Ban Turkey" movement has emerged in many places across the country.
In Pune, traders have taken a decisive action by boycotting Turkish apples, which have disappeared from local markets.
Citizens have also joined the 'Ban Turkey' movement by buying apples that are sourced from other regions.
Suyog Zende, an apple merchant at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Pune, confirmed that there is a drastic decline in demand for Turkish apples in recent days.
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"We have decided to stop purchasing apples from Turkey and are instead opting for produce from Himachal, Uttarakhand, Iran, and other regions. This decision aligns with our patriotic duty and support for the nation," he told ANI on Tuesday.
The boycott is expected to significantly impact the city's fruit market, as Turkish apples usually contribute to a seasonal turnover of Rs 1,000 to 1,200 crore. Traders assert that this move is not just a financial decision but a show of solidarity with the armed forces and the government, reported ANI.
Another fruit trader noted a sharp drop of nearly 50 per cent in consumer demand for Turkish apples. "Customers are actively avoiding Turkish produce, reinforcing the ban at the retail level," he told ANI.
Local customers also voiced their support for the trend. One resident remarked, "We have plenty of apple varieties to choose from, so why should we buy from a country that has sided against us? The government should also take steps to enhance security at sensitive locations, considering recent terror attacks," reported ANI.
This decision of people in India comes amid the growing India-Pakistan tensions, which is followed by the 22 April Pahalgam attack. Since then, both countries have engaged in cross-border shelling.
With Turkey's stance drawing criticism from many quarters, the boycott of Turkish products, including apples, continues to gain traction, reflecting a broader sentiment of nationalism and economic resistance. As the movement grows, traders and consumers alike remain steadfast in their decision to reject Turkish goods in favour of alternatives, reported ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)
