Kashmir apple farmers warn of crisis over Indo-US trade deal
Srinagar: Apple growers in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have raised alarm over the India–US trade deal, warning that the agreement could severely undermine local horticulture due to cheaper imports of apples from the US.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers’ Union, representing multiple associations, has called for imposing import duties exceeding 100 per cent on American and European apples.
Chairman Bashir Ahmad Basheer said local farmers had long demanded such protection to compete in Indian markets.
Basheer highlighted that over seven lakh families directly or indirectly depend on horticulture, which forms the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. “The reduction of customs duty on US and European apples will make imported produce cheaper, pressuring small and marginal growers who are already struggling with high input costs, erratic weather, pest attacks, and transport issues,” he warned.
Fayaz Ahmad Malik, president of the Sopore Fruit Mandi — the largest fruit market in the Valley — echoed concerns, stating that local growers cannot compete with US produce. “The government needs to reconsider this deal, or Kashmir’s apple industry will suffer irreparable damage,” he said.
IIOJK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also warned that the deal could harm Kashmir’s horticulture and dry fruit sectors, as key US products may enter India at zero duty, threatening livelihoods across the Valley.
