‘No Compromise on Farmers’: Chouhan Defends India–US Trade Deal
Agriculture Minister says staple crops, dairy and small farmers fully protected under new agreement
- Chouhan says agriculture and dairy sectors remain fully protected
- Government made farmers’ interests “non-negotiable” in negotiations
- No sudden entry of US farm products into Indian markets
- Lower tariffs expected to boost rice, spices and textile exports
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Feb: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday asserted that the India–US trade agreement fully safeguards the interests of Indian farmers, dismissing opposition concerns over agriculture and dairy sectors.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, the minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government had made it clear from the beginning that farmers’ interests were non-negotiable.
He stressed that staple grains, fruits, major crops, millets and dairy products remain completely secure under the agreement. According to him, both small and large farmers are protected, and the deal will open new opportunities rather than create risks for the agricultural sector.
Assurances on market access concerns
Responding to apprehensions that foreign farm products could flood Indian markets, Chouhan said no sudden or disruptive entry of US agricultural goods would take place. He added that no segment has been opened in a manner that could harm domestic producers.
Referring to concerns triggered by statements from US officials, he noted that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had already clarified in Parliament that the agreement does not compromise protections for key agricultural commodities.
Export gains for key sectors
Highlighting the benefits of reduced tariffs, the minister said Indian exports of rice, spices and textiles are expected to grow. He noted that India’s rice exports alone recently touched around ₹63,000 crore and could expand further under the new tariff regime.
He added that growth in textile exports would directly benefit millions of cotton-growing farmers across the country.
‘Farmers’ welfare is national welfare’
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Chouhan said farmers are the nation’s “annadata” and their welfare remains the government’s top priority.
He assured that the full details of the agreement would be shared in due course, but maintained that the core principle was unchanged: the interests of Indian farmers remain fully protected under the India–US trade deal.
