All-Party Meeting Urged to Address Impact of Free Trade Agreements on Jammu and Kashmir’s Apple Industry

In a recent discussion in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para emphasized the need for convening an all-party meeting to address the impact of free trade agreements with foreign countries on the region’s horticulture sector, specifically the apple industry. Para highlighted the importance of collectively urging the prime minister to consider the matter, stating that such a meeting would help in developing a unified stance on the issue.

Para stressed that the economic revival of Jammu and Kashmir is closely tied to safeguarding the apple industry, as it plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as unemployment and militancy in the region. He called for a bipartisan approach, urging the chief minister to organize a meeting involving all political parties to address the concerns of farmers and horticulturists.

Concerns were raised regarding the Indo-US trade agreement and its potential impact on the horticulture sector, particularly in disaster-prone areas. Para highlighted the anxieties among farmers nationwide over the implications of such trade agreements and emphasized the need to protect local produce.

Additionally, Para highlighted the stalled progress of a dry port sanctioned for Jammu, which could significantly benefit trade in the region. He commended the government’s efforts in the agro-horticulture sector, citing technological interventions that have shown positive results in districts like Pulwama and Shopian.

However, Para pointed out the need to scale up initiatives such as high-density plantations, emphasizing the importance of interest-free loans for farmers to recover their investments. He also highlighted the disparity in implementing tech-driven horticulture practices across different regions of Kashmir, calling for greater awareness and addressing irrigation challenges.

Para suggested taking up desilting of streams, rivers, and irrigation canals in a mission mode under MGNREGA to resolve irrigation problems and deliver tangible benefits to the people. He also raised concerns about delays in funds release by the Jal Shakti department due to House committee issues, which have stalled important works.

Overall, the call for an all-party meeting to address the impact of free trade agreements on Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector reflects the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the region’s economic interests and ensure the sustainability of the apple industry.