Indo-US trade deal a blow to J&K horticulture, dry fruit sector: Omar Abdullah
Said key products from the US would be allowed to enter India at zero duty
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday warned that the proposed Indo-US trade deal would severely impact the Union Territory’s horticulture and dry fruit sectors, as key products from the US would be allowed to enter India at zero duty.
Replying to the debate on the Budget 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah questioned the benefits of the deal for Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it threatens the rural economy of the region.
“I am still trying to understand how this Indo-US trade deal is good for J&K. They may have saved fisheries in Kerala, but what about us? Tree nuts and dry fruits are being allowed at zero duty—both are major products of J&K. We talk about strengthening the rural economy, yet fruits are being imported duty-free. At the very least, J&K’s apples should have been protected,” he said.
As Abdullah referred to the agreement as a “sauda” (deal), BJP MLAs interrupted his speech, leading to heated exchanges between members of the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition BJP. Despite repeated appeals by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to maintain decorum, the House witnessed noisy scenes, with the BJP threatening a walkout.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma also disrupted the proceedings, prompting Abdullah to question who would actually benefit from the agreement.
“Who will gain from this deal? Not almond growers, not walnut growers. Even those cultivating kiwi or producing honey will suffer losses,” the Chief Minister said.
The situation further escalated when Abdullah remarked that the attitude of BJP members appeared to have changed following the recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. BJP legislators raised slogans and demanded an apology, resulting in a disruption of proceedings for nearly 10 minutes.
Earlier in his address, Abdullah defended the Budget, stating that it had been prepared under challenging circumstances. “People of J&K are satisfied with the Budget, considering the limitations we face. We have tried to bring improvements across sectors. Our priority is the poor. Six gas cylinders are being provided by the UT government itself, not by the Centre,” he said.
He added that relief measures would be implemented through both central and UT government schemes and assured the House that the process to regularise daily wage workers would begin this year.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Abdullah reiterated that the trade deal allows duty-free imports of tree nuts, dry fruits and fresh fruits—products that form the backbone of J&K’s economy.
“We do not have a marine industry. We depend on apples, saffron, almonds and kiwi. If these products are imported duty-free from the US, it will harm J&K. As Chief Minister, it is my responsibility to speak for my people. We have nothing to gain from this deal,” he said.
Omar Abdullah rules out apology to BJP
