JAMMU — Peoples Democratic Party MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Tuesday pressed for convening an all-party meeting to discuss the impact of free trade agreements with foreign countries on the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the apple industry.
Speaking during a discussion on departmental allocations in the Assembly, Para said a collective appeal should be made to the prime minister, stressing that a unified political stand was needed to safeguard farmers and growers.
He said unemployment and economic revival in Kashmir were closely linked, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir’s economy cannot recover unless the apple sector is protected. Terming the Indo-US trade agreement an issue cutting across party lines, Para urged the chief minister to convene a meeting involving the BJP, Congress and other opposition parties to evolve a common position.
“For Kashmir, our problems of unemployment and our efforts to move away from militancy after a prolonged phase are directly connected to economic revival,” he said.
The Pulwama MLA said the free trade policy has emerged as a major challenge for the horticulture sector, especially in disaster-prone areas, adding that farmers across the country were anxious over its implications. Referring to concerns raised by Congress MLA G A Mir, Para said there was widespread apprehension among landholders in J&K over the threat posed to apples and other local produce.
He said trade agreements with countries such as the US, Australia, New Zealand and several European nations could severely impact the domestic fruit market, causing hardship to growers.
Para also sought revival of a dry port sanctioned for Jammu following a deal signed in Dubai during the tenure of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, saying it could significantly boost trade in the region.
While lauding government initiatives in agro-horticulture, including drip irrigation, hail nets, high-density plantations and improved storage facilities, he said districts like Pulwama and Shopian had shown encouraging results. However, he pointed out that out of nearly 30 lakh kanals under apple cultivation in the Union Territory, only about 30,000 kanals had so far been brought under high-density plantations.
Calling for scaling up of the programme, Para sought interest-free loans under existing banking schemes, saying farmers could recover investments within two years.
He further said that while southern Kashmir had witnessed better implementation of technology-driven horticulture, greater awareness was needed in north and central Kashmir. Flagging irrigation challenges, he cited hurdles in borewell construction under the constituency development fund and alleged delays in fund releases by the Jal Shakti department.
Para also suggested taking up desilting of streams, rivers and irrigation canals in mission mode under MGNREGA, with proper mapping by the rural development department, saying it would help resolve irrigation issues and deliver tangible benefits to the people. — (PTI)