Overview
- Omar Abdullah, speaking at SKUAST’s AgriTech Mela in Srinagar on February 14, cautioned that duty-free entry for US apples, nuts and other fruits could harm Jammu and Kashmir’s growers.
- He said the arrangement risks devaluing local produce even after growers invested in new varieties and controlled-atmosphere storage to lift quality and timing.
- He urged productivity and quality gains through technology-led and organic practices with university support to help farmers compete if imports rise.
- Grower bodies have asked New Delhi for strong protection, including a Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union plea to the Prime Minister for import duties above 100%, with business leaders warning of impacts on jobs and GDP.
- Central government sources insist safeguards such as quotas, minimum import prices and duties remain in place, noting the US quota is below current import levels; India consumes about 2.5 million tonnes of apples annually against 2.0–2.1 million produced, with J&K supplying nearly 80%.