Srinagar, Feb 20, KNT: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday warned that the proposed Indo-US trade deal would have serious repercussions for the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir and the wider Indian agriculture economy.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, she said the horticulture sector is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and sustains lakhs of families. “If this trade deal goes through in its present form, it will economically weaken us and unemployment will rise,” she said.
Mehbooba claimed that the influx of imported apples has already created distress in local markets. She referred to apples from Iran entering the domestic market and alleged that local produce has struggled to compete due to price differences.
She said American farmers receive substantial subsidies from their government, placing Kashmiri orchardists at a disadvantage. “Our apple cannot compete with heavily subsidized American apple. This trade deal will have serious consequences,” she asserted.
The PDP chief appealed to the Prime Minister to reconsider the proposed agreement, describing it as detrimental to the interests of farmers and those associated with the horticulture sector. She demanded that at least 50 percent import duty be imposed on apples coming from outside the country to protect domestic growers.
Mehbooba said people associated with horticulture are anxious about their future and urged the Centre to safeguard the livelihood of farmers before finalizing any trade commitments. [KNT]
