Srinagar, Feb 14: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday cautioned that the proposed India–US trade agreement could adversely impact the Union Territory’s horticulture sector, particularly fruit growers.
Addressing a Kisan Mela organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Abdullah expressed concern that duty-free imports of products such as almonds, walnuts and apples may create an uneven playing field for local producers.
He said growers in Jammu and Kashmir have invested significantly in improving quality, productivity and post-harvest infrastructure, and sudden exposure to cheaper imports could hurt their returns.
The Chief Minister stressed that while trade agreements are part of broader economic policy, the interests of farmers must be protected. He underlined the need to enhance competitiveness, boost production standards and ensure adequate safeguards for the region’s horticulture sector.
Jammu & Kashmir’s economy is heavily dependent on horticulture, with apples and dry fruits forming a major share of agricultural income and employment in the Union Territory.
