Srinagar | February 19, 2026
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said that recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by the Centre pose a serious threat to the livelihood of apple growers and farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said the FTAs would lead to a sharp rise in imports of apples, walnuts, almonds and other fruits from foreign countries, making it increasingly difficult for local growers to secure fair prices for their produce.
He warned that the adverse impact of these policies would become more evident in the coming years.
Sukhu said that agriculture and horticulture are the backbone of the economies of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, with a large section of the population dependent on these sectors for survival.
He pointed out that apple horticulture alone contributes nearly ₹5,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh’s economy and provides direct or indirect livelihood to around 2.5 lakh families.
“Despite this massive contribution, apple growers have received no meaningful support from the Centre.
This is a clear injustice to orchardists and a direct attack on the fragile economies of hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Centre has entered into FTAs with countries such as New Zealand, the United States of America and the European Union, under which import duties on apples and dry fruits have been reduced.
These decisions, he said, would directly hurt domestic farmers and orchardists and are not in the interest of the country’s agricultural community or the general public.
Sukhu also accused the Centre of trying to silence voices speaking for farmers. He said Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has been consistently raising issues related to farmers and common citizens, but efforts are being made to prevent him from speaking.
“Rahul Gandhi’s voice cannot be suppressed. The Congress party stands firmly with farmers and orchardists and will continue to fight for their rights,” the Chief Minister asserted.
