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

Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief Minister and Leader of the 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 leading to cheaper imports undercutting local prices and jeopardizing investments in cold storage infrastructure. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for a joint strategy with the Centre to exclude apples from the trade deal and protect local producers.