India, Feb. 14 -- Omar Abdullah on Saturday expressed concern that duty-free imports of horticulture products under the recent India-US trade deal could adversely impact local growers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual AgriTech Mela Gongul 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Abdullah said while the government is focused on strengthening the rural economy, external competition without safeguards may lead to losses for farmers.

He said there are apprehensions that horticulture produce from the United States, including apples, walnuts, almonds and other fresh and dry fruits, may enter Indian markets under duty-free provisions.

"If such items are all...