India US trade deal: Exclude kashmir apple from deal says Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to exclude apples from the proposed India-U.S. trade deal to protect the state's orchard economy. Ms. Mufti argued that zero-duty on American apple imports would harm local growers and their livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of supporting the horticulture sector in Kashmir. She demanded government intervention including retaining import duties, enforcing minimum price mechanisms, and providing targeted support for local farmers.