Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 17: JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla today said that Indo-US trade deal will hurt/impact farmers, youth and impact the local economy.
While interacting the people in Bahu Fort area, Ward No. 48, along with Block president Bahu Latish Sharma and District SC Cell Chairman Dewan Chand, Bhalla highlighted several burning issues confronting the people of Jammu & Kashmir, with particular focus on the proposed Indo–US trade deal and its potential implications for the region’s economy. He cautioned that the agreement, if implemented without adequate safeguards, could have long-term adverse consequences for farmers, small businesses, and unemployed youth.
Bhalla said that while international trade cooperation is important for economic growth, it must not come at the cost of domestic stability. He observed that India’s agricultural sector remains largely dependent on small and marginal farmers who lack the financial resilience to withstand global competition. Opening domestic markets to heavily subsidized American agricultural and industrial goods, he warned, would tilt the playing field against Indian producers and undermine the country’s self-reliance.
He pointed out that Jammu & Kashmir’s economy is particularly vulnerable, as a significant portion of its population depends on agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors. Any influx of cheaper imported produce could suppress market prices for local farmers, directly impacting their livelihoods. Bhalla stressed that farmers in J&K are already facing challenges such as erratic weather patterns, high transportation costs, and limited access to modern infrastructure. Adding international competition without robust protection mechanisms would only deepen their distress.
Bhalla further elaborated on the potential impact on the MSME sector and local traders in Jammu region. He noted that small manufacturing units, retailers, and service providers form the backbone of the regional economy and generate substantial employment. If tariff barriers are reduced and multinational corporations gain easier market access, local enterprises may struggle to compete in terms of pricing and scale. This could lead to closures of small units, loss of traditional businesses, and increased economic uncertainty for thousands of families.
Highlighting the growing concern of unemployment, Bhalla said that the youth of J&K are already battling limited job opportunities and prolonged recruitment delays. He emphasized that economic policies should prioritize job creation through local investment, industrial promotion, and skill-based training.
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