JKPCC Kissan Department holds crucial meeting on Indo-US trade deal impact in Ramban

• Priye engages farmers, leaders to assess concerns and opportunities for J&K’s agricultural sector

RAMBAN: JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman Bharat Priye today convened a crucial meeting at Dak Bungalow, Ramban, to deliberate on the potential impact of the Indo-US trade deal on the farming community of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory. The meeting witnessed active participation from local leaders, agricultural stakeholders, and farmers, reflecting widespread concern and interest over the evolving trade dynamics.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included former MLA Ashok Dogra, District Ramban Chairman Hukam Chand, Pradeep Katoch, and several progressive farmers from different parts of the district.

Addressing the gathering, Bharat Priye highlighted that international trade agreements, particularly those involving agricultural commodities, have far-reaching implications for local farmers. He emphasized the need to carefully assess both the opportunities and challenges arising out of the Indo-US trade engagement, especially in the context of J&K’s unique agro-climatic conditions and predominantly small-scale farming practices.

He expressed concern that unchecked import policies could adversely affect local produce by exposing farmers to unfair competition from subsidized agricultural products of developed nations. At the same time, he noted that with proper policy safeguards, there is also potential for expanding export avenues for niche and high-value crops from the region.

The participants engaged in detailed discussions on issues such as price stability, market access, protection of local crops, and the need for strengthening agricultural infrastructure. Farmers voiced their apprehensions regarding declining returns and stressed the importance of government intervention to ensure fair pricing and procurement mechanisms.

Former MLA Ashok Dogra underscored the importance of collective efforts to safeguard the interests of farmers, while Hukam Chand called for greater awareness among farmers about changing trade policies and their implications.

Bharat Priye assured the gathering that the concerns raised during the meeting would be compiled and taken up with higher authorities at both the Union Territory and national levels. He reiterated the commitment of the JKPCC Kissan Department to act as a strong voice for farmers and to ensure that their interests are not compromised in any policy framework. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for sustained dialogue, policy advocacy, and proactive measures to protect and promote the agricultural sector in Jammu & Kashmir.