Why are apple traders in J&K worried? | Explained

Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, have expressed concerns about the India-U.S. trade deal's impact on the state's horticulture sector, particularly apple production. The deal reduces import duty on apples from the U.S., potentially flooding the Indian market with cheaper imports, which could negatively affect local apple prices and farmers' income. The J&K Economic Survey highlights the importance of apple production in the state, contributing significantly to revenue and employment.