Rahul Gandhi Vows to Elevate Sopore Apples to International Markets

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, pledged that if the NC-Congress alliance comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir, they will promote the famous Sopore apple in international markets. He emphasized the importance of restoring statehood for achieving this goal and promised a minimum support price for apple produce.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Wednesday committed that the NC-Congress alliance would promote the renowned Sopore apple in international markets if they came to power in Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the economic potential, Gandhi lamented that while walnuts, cashews, and resins were presented to him, the predominant horticultural produce of the region, the Sopore apple, was conspicuously absent. He emphasized, "The main issue is of the Sopore apple. This apple has to be taken abroad. Your future lies in this and it has to be taken forward."

Addressing an election rally in Baramulla district, he asserted, "People are eating apples from foreign countries, but I want this apple to go to America." He insisted that restoring statehood was essential for realizing this vision.

Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi-led government of favoring a few billionaires and impacting farmers' profits. He reiterated his party's pledge of setting a minimum support price of Rs 72 per kg for apples and incorporating them into the crop insurance scheme. Additionally, he promised to end poor evictions and invest Rs 2,500 crore in irrigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)