"If imported apples get a free run in India, the horticulture economy will plunge into crisis," he said. Abdullah said duty-free imports of tree nuts such as walnuts and almonds could hurt the local farmers. "They have not thought of the impact of the India-US trade deal on the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir. "The imported walnuts and almonds have better quality and were already very competitive with tariffs. The local farmers will have to improve their quality as well,” he said.

Source: The Telegraph February 11, 2026 10:33 UTC