HP Chief Minister Raises Alarm Over FTAs in Srinagar, Warns of Threat to Rs. 5,000 Crore Apple Economy.
Srinagar:
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday voiced serious concerns over recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), cautioning that such policies could trigger a major crisis for apple growers and horticulturists in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the Chief Minister warned that reduced import duties under FTAs could lead to a surge in imported apples, walnuts, almonds, and other horticultural produce. He said this influx of cheaper foreign produce would place immense pressure on domestic growers, making it increasingly difficult for them to secure remunerative prices for their crops.
He cautioned that the long-term consequences of such agreements would become more visible in the coming years, potentially destabilizing the agricultural economy of hill states that rely heavily on horticulture.
Rs. 5,000 Crore Apple Industry at Stake
Highlighting the scale of the issue, the Chief Minister stated that Himachal Pradesh’s apple industry alone has an annual turnover of approximately Rs. 5,000 crore. The sector provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 2.5 lakh families, forming the backbone of the state’s rural economy.
Similarly, he noted that a substantial portion of the population in Jammu & Kashmir depends on horticulture for livelihood, with apples, walnuts, and almonds serving as key contributors to the region’s agricultural output.
He emphasized that agriculture and horticulture are not merely economic activities in these states but lifelines for thousands of farming families.
Concern Over Reduced Import Duties
Referring to recent agreements reportedly signed with countries such as New Zealand, the United States, and the European Union, the Chief Minister alleged that import duties on apples and dry fruits have been reduced under these FTAs. According to him, such policy decisions directly undermine the interests of Indian farmers and orchardists, particularly in hill states where production costs are comparatively higher.
He asserted that these agreements do not safeguard the interests of farmers or the common people and called for a comprehensive reassessment of trade policies that could jeopardize domestic agricultural sustainability.
Congress Stands with Farmers
The Chief Minister also mentioned that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has consistently raised issues concerning farmers and the broader public. He alleged that attempts were being made to silence voices speaking up for farmers but maintained that such efforts would not succeed.
Reaffirming his party’s commitment, he said that the Congress Party stands firmly with farmers and orchardists and will continue to advocate for policies that protect their livelihoods and ensure fair returns for their produce.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reiterated that safeguarding the interests of farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir remains a top priority and warned that any policy threatening the Rs. 5,000 crore apple economy must be carefully reconsidered.
