BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh Criticizes Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Statements on Trade Agreements
In a recent development, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh has strongly criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his comments on international trade agreements. Chugh expressed his disapproval, stating that creating fear in the name of farmers is both irresponsible and politically motivated. He emphasized that “twisting facts” only serves to erode the trust of farmers.
Chugh highlighted the significant gap between India’s annual apple consumption, which stands at approximately 26 lakh tonnes, and domestic production, which is around 21 lakh tonnes. This disparity necessitates the annual import of over 5 lakh tonnes of apples to meet the demands of Indian consumers.
Addressing concerns about the impact of international trade agreements on local farmers, Chugh clarified that only a quota of 1 lakh tonnes has been allocated to the United States, subject to a Minimum Import Price of Rs 80 per kg and an effective import duty of Rs 25 per kg. This pricing structure ensures that imported apples do not undermine domestic produce, safeguarding the interests of Indian farmers.
Furthermore, Chugh underscored the efforts of the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in bolstering the apple and horticulture sectors in J&K. Through investments in technology, infrastructure, and access to global markets, the government is committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of orchardists in the region.
Assuring the community, Chugh affirmed BJP’s dedication to protecting the income, identity, and future of orchardists in the Union Territory. He reassured that the party has never compromised on policies that could jeopardize the well-being of farmers and will continue to prioritize their welfare in the future.
