SRINAGAR — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday said the interim Indo-US trade deal has shattered the dreams of farmers and orchardists, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, warning that its full impact will be felt in the coming years.
Speaking to reporters, Sukhu said both regions share similar topography and economies driven largely by horticulture, especially apples and dry fruits.
“The trade deal will have significant consequences for farmers in Himachal Pradesh and J&K. You may not see it immediately, but it will have a huge impact on growers in the times to come,” he said.
Sukhu pointed out that while apples and almonds imported from the US would enter Indian markets duty-free, Indian exporters would face an 18 per cent duty when exporting to US, placing domestic producers at a disadvantage.
He said local orchardists had invested heavily in Controlled Atmosphere storage facilities to sell produce in the off-season, and the deal threatens their livelihoods.
He accused the government of failing to protect farmers’ interests, saying prices of dry fruits had already begun to fall and would decline further as American products enter Indian markets.
Referring to earlier Congress administrations, including that of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Sukhu said such agreements detrimental to farmers were never pursued.
Calling the deal an injustice to Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Congress does not support the agreement, particularly its provisions affecting apples and dry fruits.
He added that agriculture and horticulture form the backbone of both Himachal Pradesh and J&K, and warned that unchecked imports could severely impact local economies.
On recent incidents involving Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu said strict action had been taken, adding that arrests were made within 24 hours after discussions with Omar Abdullah.
He assured people from Kashmir that they could continue their business in Himachal Pradesh without fear and urged them to report any incidents immediately.
Sukhu also alleged that some individuals were attempting to exploit such incidents for attention on social media and political gain, including elements linked to the RSS. — (PTI)