Indo–USA trade deal a direct threat to farmers and Kashmir’s signature products: Bharat Priye  

• Says Indo–USA trade pact jeopardizes farmers, MSMEs and nation’s economic sovereignty

SAMBA: Expressing serious concern over the proposed Indo–USA Trade Deal, JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman Bharat Priye has warned that the agreement, in its present form, could have far-reaching negative consequences for India’s agrarian economy and severely impact the fragile economic structure of Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference in Samba district in presence of Darshan Lal Sharma, Chairman JKPCC Kissan Department District Samba, Gulzar Singh Choudhary Vice Chairman JKPCC Kissan Department District Samba, Kuldeep Singh Choudhary, Mangal Singh Sindhu, Jagdev Singh, Kewal Raina, Janak Raj, Sarpanch Shiv Ram, Darshan Lal Kundal , JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman Bharat Priye launched a sharp critique of the proposed Indo–USA Trade Deal, terming it a serious threat to India’s agrarian economy and the fragile economic ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir. He stated that while global trade partnerships may open new avenues, any agreement that compromises farmers’ interests, small businesses, and local industries would prove disastrous for the country. “Economic diplomacy must strengthen our villages and rural economy, not weaken them,” he asserted.

Bharat Priye warned that the agriculture sector would bear the brunt if heavily subsidized agricultural products from the United States are allowed entry into Indian markets without strict safeguards. He explained that American farmers benefit from large-scale mechanization, massive subsidies, and advanced infrastructure, whereas Indian farmers continue to struggle with rising fertilizer costs, unpredictable weather, and limited MSP coverage. In such a scenario, local producers would find it impossible to compete with cheaper imports, leading to falling prices and shrinking incomes.

Focusing specifically on Jammu & Kashmir, he highlighted the potential negative impact on Kashmir’s world-renowned horticulture produce, including apples, pears, almonds, walnuts, cherries, and saffron. He cautioned that imported fruits and dry fruits could flood markets, pushing down prices of local produce and directly affecting lakhs of orchardists and farmers in the Valley. “Kashmir’s apple industry alone sustains thousands of families. If cheaper imports dominate wholesale markets, growers will suffer heavy financial losses,” he said, adding that pear, almond, and walnut cultivators would face similar distress.

Bharat Priye further expressed concern over the likely impact on Kashmir’s handicrafts and artisan sector, including pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché, wood carving, and handloom products. He noted that these traditional crafts are not only economic assets but also represent the cultural identity of the region. If tariff protections are relaxed and mass-produced foreign goods enter the market, local artisans—already struggling due to limited market access—could lose livelihoods. He warned that such a development would increase unemployment in both rural and urban areas of J&KUT.

The Kissan Department Chairman also underlined the risks to dairy, poultry, and food processing sectors in the region. He stated that multinational corporations could dominate the processed food market if import barriers are reduced, leaving small cooperatives and local entrepreneurs unable to compete. This would have a cascading effect on the rural economy, affecting farmers, transporters, laborers, and traders who depend on agriculture-linked activities.

Raising broader concerns, Bharat Priye questioned certain provisions related to intellectual property rights, seed patents, and digital trade regulations that could restrict India’s policy flexibility. He emphasized that any compromise on seed sovereignty or agricultural subsidies would weaken farmers’ autonomy and national economic security. He demanded wider consultations with farmer organizations, trade bodies, and representatives from Jammu & Kashmir before finalizing the agreement, stating that “a deal negotiated without protecting grassroots stakeholders will widen inequality and deepen rural distress.”

JKPCC Vice President Yahpal Kundal, while endorsing the concerns raised at the press conference, stated that Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, which is still striving for stability and growth, cannot afford exposure to unequal trade competition. He cautioned that horticulture, handicrafts, and small-scale agro-processing units form the backbone of the Union Territory’s economy, and any adverse impact on these sectors would directly affect employment and household incomes. Kundal urged the Central Government to safeguard national and regional interests, ensure protective measures for sensitive sectors, and prevent any trade agreement from undermining farmers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs in J&K and across the country.