Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 20: Seeking financial security for J&K farmers, President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expressed concern over inadequate cold storage facilities, weak transportation and no crop insurance for them.
Addressing a news conference here, Mehbooba, warned that neglecting the horticulture sector could have severe socio-economic consequences, including increased drug addiction and unemployment among youth. “The fruit industry of Jammu and Kashmir is not just an economic asset; it sustains lives and livelihoods. We urge the government to take immediate steps to safeguard our farmers before finalizing any trade commitments,” she said.
She said that the horticulture sector sustains lakhs of families and provides livelihoods to millions. “Local apple growers are already struggling with the influx of imported apples, including from Iran, which has created a storm in the market. Our apples cannot compete with American apples, which benefit from subsidies of $30,000–$40,000 per farmer and government insurance covering disasters, diseases, and price drops,” Mehbooba said.
She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the trade deal with the United States and recommended imposing at least 50 percent import duty on foreign apples to protect domestic growers.
