Srinagar, Feb 14 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday cautioned that a potential US–India trade deal may not offer immediate advantages to local farmers unless productivity and quality standards are significantly enhanced to withstand global competition.
While inaugurating the 11th edition of the annual GONGUL festival at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar said, at present, the proposed trade arrangement does not appear to offer definite gains for farmers and warned that the agriculture sector could come under strain if productivity and quality benchmarks are not substantially raised.
“If US products enter our markets tomorrow, we must be ready to compete,” he remarked, underlining the urgent need to strengthen output levels and improve the quality of agricultural produce to stay competitive.
“Our government is committed to strengthening the rural economy by focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, floriculture and dairy.”
Omar said, “In the recent budget, we have laid special emphasis on these areas to ensure sustainable growth.” He added that institutions like SKUAST Jammu and SKUAST Kashmir are playing a pivotal role in helping farmers adopt modern, technology-based and organic practices to enhance productivity and quality.
Highlighting the importance of the GONGUL festival, now in its 11th year, Abdullah said, “This platform provides valuable exposure to farmers and visitors about new technologies and innovations in agriculture.” He stressed the need to improve local production standards to remain competitive, especially in horticulture products like fruits, walnuts and almonds.
Expressing concern over duty-free imports, the Chief Minister said local growers suffer losses when cheaper and high-quality foreign produce floods the market.
“We must enhance our quality and storage capabilities, including expanding Controlled Atmosphere (CA) facilities, to ensure our produce competes effectively,” he said.
He also lauded the innovative spirit of young participants at the festival, noting that student-led technological solutions in farming and irrigation reflect the growing role of universities in driving agricultural transformation. — (JKNS)
