Shimla, Feb. 19 -- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu raised concerns over recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), stating that they could have adverse implications for farmers and orchardists in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing a presser in Srinagar on Thursday, Sukhu said the reduction in import duties under various trade agreements may lead to a significant increase in the inflow of apples, walnuts, almonds and other horticultural produce into the Indian market.
He cautioned that a surge in imports could depress domestic prices, making it difficult for local growers to secure remunerative returns for their produce.
The Chief Minister emphasised that horticulture and agriculture are central to the econo...