CM hopes improvement in India-Bangladesh relations
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 14: Stating that the Government wants better and high-value products to find markets, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the India–US trade deal could result in losses for J&K, particularly in the horticulture sector.
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Speaking to reporters after attending SKUAST-K’s 11th AgriTech Mela, ‘Gon’gul’-20205, Omar said growers in J&K have made significant investments to improve the quality of their produce and would suffer if imports enter the Indian market duty-free.
“I do not know about the rest of the country, but what we can see is the losses. Items that will come duty-free — almonds, walnuts, apples, dry fruits — these are our products, all produced in J&K,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that new varieties have been introduced and quality enhanced, with controlled atmosphere (CA) storage facilities ensuring superior produce reaches the market.
“If we are told that better products will come from outside at lower prices and that J&K’s products will sell for less, that will be a joke with our growers,” he said.
He added: “We want better and high-value products to sell from J&K. So far, all I can see are losses and nothing else.” Click here to watch video
Highlighting the Government’s focus on strengthening the rural economy, Abdullah said efforts are underway to promote agriculture, floriculture and allied sectors.
He said the recent budget has also laid emphasis on boosting the rural economy.
“In collaboration with agriculture universities, we are ensuring that technology-driven and organic solutions reach farmers. If that happens, the rural economy will flourish,” he said.
On regional issues, Omar said stability in neighbouring countries would benefit India.
“Nobody wants instability in neighbouring countries — be it Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Nepal. We want democracy to flourish and countries to remain stable,” he said.
The Chief Minister hoped that relations between India and Bangladesh would improve following a “rough patch,” adding that the people of Bangladesh have elected their Government and bilateral ties should strengthen in the coming days.
Referring to the AgriTech Mela, he said the festival is being held for the 11th time and has witnessed an overwhelming response.
“In these few days, lakhs of people will visit and benefit from it. This is what we want,” he said.
Omar said that if J&K has to compete with countries like the United States, whose agricultural and horticultural produce may enter India following the trade deal, productivity and quality will have to be further enhanced.
He lauded the role of the agriculture university, saying innovation was visible at every stall.
“It is not only established players showcasing their items; even an 11-year-old child has developed a robot for planting and irrigation. Universities have a great role to play,” he said.
On the occasion, Omar interacted with stall owners and enquired about their produce, start-ups, enterprises and technological interventions.
Omar highlighted the contributions made by progressive farmers, growers, agricultural scientists, faculty members and researchers in transforming the agrarian landscape of J&K.
He said their sustained efforts are shaping the future of agriculture in the region and driving innovation under various Government programmes aimed at modernisation and economic growth.
The three-day mega event, themed “NextGen Agriculture: My Produce–My Price,” is showcasing cutting-edge agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities in the agriculture sector.
The AgriTech Mela is expected to witness participation from progressive farmers, start-ups, agri-business firms, researchers and students over the next three days.
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