The recent increase in US tariffs on Indian goods by 27% has sparked concerns among apple and walnut growers in Kashmir. This move by is a retaliation for India’s existing high tariffs on US products. The primary fear in Kashmir is that the Indian government might be pressured to lower its import duties on American apples and walnuts to secure a favorable trade deal with the United States. Kashmir’s apple and walnut industry has already faced numerous challenges in recent years, including political unrest, natural disasters like floods and hailstorms, and adverse weather conditions. Now the reduced tariffs on US apples could be another blow to an already struggling industry. The Kashmiri apple growers are anxiously awaiting a response that will safeguard their industry and livelihoods. If the tariff rates form US imports are reduced, markets would be flooded by US apples pushing the horticulture sector of the Kashmir to the wall.
The influx of cheaper American apples could force Kashmiri growers to lower their prices to compete, potentially reducing their profit margins significantly. Economic Hardship for Growers: The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGU) fears that this price undercutting could devastate the local market and push small-scale farmers, who form the backbone of Kashmir’s agricultural economy, out of business. It may be recalled here that horticulture sector, particularly apple and walnut, contributes significantly to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. If this sector is weakened, it will leave Kashmir’s economy topsy-turvy.
Besides the people affiliated with horticulture sector, almost all the main political parties and civil society groups have been expressing concern about this grave issue. KVFGU has already approached the central government with their concerns. They have been appealing Modi-let government not to lower tariffs on American apples and walnut but instead requested an increase in tariffs to protect domestic growers.
Agriculture and horticulture sectors are the backbone of Kashmir’s economy besides handicrafts. Those affiliated with horticulture sector have been facing losses due to weather vagaries. Now that the Srinagar Jammu highway has been upgraded to the satisfaction of fruit growers otherwise, a few years back, cherry, apple and other fruits would perish due to road blockades. With the promised railway connectivity, the fruit growers here were expecting a flourishing business but the sword of uncertainty is hanging over the heads of growers with the apprehensions of lowering tariffs on US apples and walnut. New Delhi should take the apprehensions of fruit growers into account and take every step to save this industry and also those affiliated with this industry. Lowering tariffs would be a death blow to horticulture sector and thus destroy Kashmir’s entire economy.