Crisis in Kashmir’s Apple Industry: Call for All-Party Action

Waheed Ur Rehman Para, a prominent PDP legislator, called for an immediate all-party meeting to tackle the detrimental effect of international trade agreements on the horticulture industry in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the apple sector.

Para, during a legislative discussion, highlighted the critical connection between the apple industry and the region's economy, emphasizing that economic growth must accompany efforts to move past militancy and address high unemployment rates. He urged the prime minister to consider the ongoing Indo-US trade agreement's implications.

The MLA pointed out that the potential consequences of these trade deals stretch beyond partisan politics, affecting farmers across the region. He also advocated for interest-free loans for farmers and called for addressing irrigation woes to further support the horticulturist community.