J&K Legislators Voice Grave Concerns Over US Trade Deal's Impact on Kashmiri Apples
In a heated session of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Tuesday, legislators from across the political spectrum raised serious alarms regarding the potential devastating effects of a recent US trade agreement on the region's vital apple industry. Many lawmakers described the deal as nothing short of a "death blow" to Kashmiri horticulture, which serves as the economic backbone for countless families.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Questions Central Government's Sympathy
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led the charge, directing pointed questions at the Central government's stance. "They have told America it can send as much fruits and apples as it wants at zero duty and we will buy it here," Abdullah stated emphatically. "Where has their sympathy for Jammu and Kashmir gone?" He expressed deep frustration over claims by some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators that the trade deal would ultimately benefit the region.
"I am still trying to understand where this good thing is for J&K," Abdullah remarked, highlighting that under the agreement, apples and walnuts have been placed under zero-duty import categories. This move, he argued, could flood the local market with cheaper foreign produce, severely undercutting Kashmiri farmers.
CPM Legislator MY Tarigami Flags Additional Agreements
Echoing these concerns, Communist Party of India (Marxist) legislator MY Tarigami brought attention to another troubling development. He claimed that the Central government has also signed a similar trade agreement with New Zealand, further compounding the challenges faced by Kashmir's apple industry. "These agreements are posing serious challenges to Kashmir's apple industry, the backbone of our economy," Tarigami warned, emphasizing the cumulative threat to local livelihoods.
PDP MLA Waheed Parra Demands Minimum Support Prices
In response to the growing crisis, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Parra put forth a concrete demand for protective measures. He called for the establishment of minimum support prices (MSP) for the region's horticultural produce. This, he argued, is essential to safeguard farmers from price volatility and ensure their economic stability in the face of international competition.
The assembly discussion underscored a unified legislative concern over the trade deal's implications. Key points raised include:
- The potential for zero-duty imports to devastate local apple and walnut markets.
- Questions about the Central government's commitment to Jammu and Kashmir's economic welfare.
- The need for immediate policy interventions, such as MSP, to protect horticultural sectors.
- Warnings about multiple international agreements exacerbating the industry's challenges.
As tensions mount, legislators are urging swift action to prevent what they fear could be an irreversible blow to one of Jammu and Kashmir's most critical economic pillars.
