Indo-US Trade Deal Will Devastate J&K Horticulture Sector: Mehbooba
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]
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![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)