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India-US Trade Deal Fully Protects Farmers, Dairy: Shivraj Chouhan

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has firmly stated that the India-US trade agreement fully safeguards the country's agricultural and dairy sectors. He emphasized that no market access has been granted in a way that could harm Indian farmers, with all major crops and dairy products remaining protected. The minister highlighted that the deal will instead create fresh export opportunities for products like rice, spices, and textiles, benefiting millions of farmers. Chouhan reiterated that the welfare of farmers, whom he called 'annadata', is secure and paramount.

Key Points: India-US Trade Deal: Farmers, Dairy Fully Protected, Says Minister

  • Farmers' interests fully protected
  • Dairy and key crops remain shielded
  • Deal creates new export opportunities
  • Misinformation being spread by opposition
2 min read

No compromise on agri or dairy in US deal, farmers fully protected: Shivraj Chouhan

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan assures Indian farmers and dairy sector are fully safeguarded in the new India-US trade agreement.

"No market segment has been opened in a manner that could harm Indian farmers - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

New Delhi, Feb 5

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the India-US trade agreement fully safeguards the country's agricultural interests, particularly those of the farm and dairy sectors.

Addressing the media here, Chouhan reiterated that India's staple grains, fruits, major crops, millets, and dairy products remain completely secure and face no threat whatsoever.

He emphasised that the interests of small and large farmers alike have been fully protected, and that the agreement will create fresh opportunities rather than risks for Indian agriculture.

"No market segment has been opened in a manner that could harm Indian farmers, and all major crops, food grains, fruits and dairy products remain shielded," he said.

On the recent X post by the US Treasury Secretary about increased access for American farm products, Chouhan said that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has already clarified the facts in Parliament.

"India has not opened its markets in any way that puts pressure on domestic farmers, and the protections for key agricultural commodities remain intact," he reiterated.

The Agriculture Minister further stated that India already exports rice to many countries, including the United States, and recently recorded exports worth around Rs 63,000 crore.

He stated that reduced tariffs will directly benefit India's rice, spices and textile exports, and that growth in textile exports will help millions of cotton-growing farmers.

The minister affirmed that the deal is unequivocally in the interest of Indian farmers and opens up new export avenues, despite the misinformation being spread by the opposition.

"All details of the agreement will be shared in due course. The core principle remains clear and unchanged: the interests of Indian farmers are fully protected," he added.

Chouhan also stressed the need for clear communication to prevent confusion or fear among farmers, given the enormous size of the agricultural sector.

"Farmers are our annadata, the providers of life. Their welfare is the nation's welfare, and their interests are absolutely secure," the minister stressed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I want to believe this, but we've heard similar promises before. The US is a major agricultural powerhouse. How can we be sure our small farmers won't be undercut by cheaper American imports? The minister says details will come later, but transparency now would build more trust.
A
Aman W
Good move! If our textile and spice exports get a boost, it will create jobs and help cotton farmers. We need to think about growth and accessing global markets, not just protection all the time. Kudos to the government for standing firm on dairy – that's our pride.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows trade closely, the conflicting signals are confusing. The US Treasury Secretary's post suggested greater access. Until the full text is public, it's hard to take any assurances at face value. Clarity is needed to prevent market uncertainty.
V
Vikram M
"Farmers are our annadata" – absolutely true. So their protection should be non-negotiable. The focus on millets is good, it's a growing sector. Hope the government walks the talk and the benefits actually reach the small farmer in the village, not just big agri-businesses.
K
Kavya N
The opposition will always cry foul, but if exports worth ₹63,000 crore are already happening, building on that makes sense. My father is a farmer in Punjab, and he's more worried about MSP and local issues than this US deal. Maybe the government should communicate directly with farmer unions to clear the air.

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