New Delhi (Agency): On Monday, Omar Abdullah, a prominent leader of the National Conference, called on the Indian government to reconsider its decision to remove additional duties on apples, walnuts, and almonds imported from the United States. He argued that the policy seems aimed at pleasing foreign interests at the expense of local farmers in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Abdullah expressed his concerns at the National Conference party headquarters in Srinagar. “I don’t understand why the government has to put our own people in trouble for pleasing Americans and people from other countries,” he said. According to Abdullah, the focus should be on Indian farmers and their produce, which he claimed is “good enough” and does not need to be replaced by imports.
Criticizing the government’s international focus, Abdullah raised questions about the recent G20 summit. “What is the point of the G20 when such decisions are taken?” he asked. “Instead of making G20 leaders happy, try to make your own people happy.”
He stated that such policy decisions demonstrate a lack of connection between the government and its people. “This government is not ready to listen to the people,” Abdullah said, adding that the rulers are “hiding so much behind the security cover” that they do not understand the problems faced by ordinary citizens.
As a solution, he recommended that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha should hold a meeting with fruit growers as soon as possible. “He should go to Baramulla, Rafiabad, Sopore, Shopian, and Pulwama to interact with horticulturists,” he advised.
Omar Abdullah emphasized that the states affected by this decision will suffer losses, calling it an “injustice.” He said, “We hope that the government will reconsider its decision and provide relief to apple and walnut growers of the country.”
The appeal from Abdullah comes at a time when local horticulture sectors in hilly regions of India are already facing various challenges. His remarks have sparked a broader conversation about the government’s policy decisions and their impact on local industries.
