Shopian, Jun 28: Hundreds of apple growers from across south Kashmir gathered at a park in Tuckroo village of Shopian district on Sunday to discuss the mounting challenges confronting the horticulture sector, with speakers warning that any reduction in import duties on apples under a proposed India-US trade agreement could have devastating consequences for Kashmir’s economy. The convention, organised by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), brought together farmers, horticulture activists and political leaders, who highlighted a range of issues affecting the farming community, including the absence of crop insurance, mounting Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan liabilities, climate change, the need for a Minimum Support Price (MSP), and safeguards against free trade agreements. Addressing the gathering, AIKS national president RajanKshirsagar warned that a trade deal with the United States involving lower import duties on apples would “cripple the economic backbone of Kashmir”, where horticulture is the principal source of livelihood for millions.