Srinagar, Dec. 28 -- Expressing serious concern over reports of possible dilution of import duties on apples under proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Europe, the United States and Chile, PDP (Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday warned through her official X handle that further tariff cuts could severely damage the Valley's apple economy and threaten the livelihood of lakhs of families.

She cautioned that a previous 25 per cent duty reduction, linked to trade agreements with New Zealand, had already exposed domestic producers to what they termed "unfair imports", thereby impacting market prices.

"Deeply concerned that Apple import duties may be diluted in FTAs with Europe, the US & Chile...