Srinagar, Feb 20: Mehbooba Mufti, chief of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a 50 per cent import duty on apples, warning that the proposed Indo-US interim trade deal could severely impact Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti described horticulture as the “backbone” of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, saying it sustains lakhs of families and supports youth employment and education.
“If this trade deal goes through in its present form, it will economically weaken us and unemployment will rise,” she said.
Alarm Over Imported Apples
Mufti claimed that the influx of imported apples, particularly from Iran, has already disrupted local markets and caused heavy losses to growers. She argued that American apples, backed by substantial government subsidies, would further undercut Kashmiri produce.
“Our apples cannot compete with heavily subsidized American apples. This trade deal will have serious consequences,” she asserted, alleging that U.S. farmers receive subsidies ranging between USD 30,000 and 40,000, while growers in Jammu and Kashmir receive minimal assistance and bear high transportation and input costs.
Concerns Over Interim Trade Pact
Under the proposed interim India-US trade arrangement, India is expected to lower or eliminate tariffs on several American industrial and agricultural products, while the United States will impose an 18 per cent reciprocal tariff on select Indian-origin goods.
Mufti warned that the removal of existing safeguards could hurt fruit and dry fruit growers not only in Jammu and Kashmir but across the country.
“The farmers of our country had certain safeguards before this Indo-US trade deal, but now those protections are gone,” she said.
Social and Economic Ramifications
Highlighting broader concerns, the PDP chief cautioned that rising unemployment could trigger social instability in the sensitive region.
“The youth earn their livelihoods through horticulture. With this deal, we will become economically vulnerable,” she said, adding, “If there is an attack on our fruit industry, which is our backbone, the consequences could be dire.”
Mufti also expressed apprehension that prolonged economic distress could aggravate social issues, including drug addiction.
Additional Demands
Besides seeking a 50 per cent import duty on apples, Mufti called for enhanced crop insurance coverage, expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, and improved highway infrastructure to ensure smoother transportation of produce.
Reiterating her appeal to the Prime Minister, she said, “At least establish a 50 per cent import duty on apples” to safeguard domestic growers and protect livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture-dependent economy.
The Centre has yet to respond to her demands.
