{"id":4678,"date":"2026-02-10T16:50:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T16:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theasiaspeaks.com\/?p=4678"},"modified":"2026-02-10T16:50:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T16:50:26","slug":"jks-apple-saffron-farmers-at-risk-from-us-trade-deal-cm-omar-abdullah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theasiaspeaks.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/10\/jks-apple-saffron-farmers-at-risk-from-us-trade-deal-cm-omar-abdullah\/","title":{"rendered":"J&K’s Apple, Saffron Farmers at Risk from US Trade Deal : CM Omar Abdullah"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jammu, Feb 10; Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed serious concerns that the India-U.S. trade deal would adversely affect the Union Territory\u2019s economy, which is heavily reliant on horticulture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to reporters here CM Omar Abdullah as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the pact offered \u201cno benefit\u201d and would instead cause a \u201closs\u201d to J&K, as duty-free imports of American almonds, apples, saffron, and kiwis would undercut local producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur economy is based on tree nuts, dry fruits, fresh fruits, and dairy. We don\u2019t have a marine industry. If all these things come from America duty-free, then Jammu and Kashmir will definitely suffer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding to questions about his recent controversial remarks, the Chief Minister ruled out tendering an apology. He contended that he had been willing to withdraw and rephrase his statement if allowed to speak at the time, but was not given the opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s on the record now. When they didn\u2019t let me speak, there was no need to apologise,\u201d CM Omar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J&K CM also responded to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party on issues of nationalism. He made a pointed reference to the Leader of the Opposition\u2019s early departure from a Republic Day event, stating, \u201cThe one who teaches us about patriotism\u2026 couldn\u2019t attend the whole function. First explain it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dismissing suggestions that he had been compelled to facilitate the Amarnath pilgrimage, the Chief Minister emphasised the historical and integral role of the local Kashmiri community in the annual event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I wasn\u2019t forced. The Kashmiris have always carried the pilgrims on their shoulders to the cave. Without the Kashmiris, the Yatra is not possible. We have always facilitated this Yatra and will continue to do so,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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