‘No Imports to Hurt Farmers’: Chouhan
Agriculture Minister rejects trade deal fears, says wheat, rice, maize, dairy protected
- Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan denies speculation over India–US trade agreement
- Says door closed on wheat, rice, maize, and dairy imports
- Assures farmers’ interests remain government’s top priority
- Limited apple imports won’t harm domestic growers, he says
GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 17th Feb: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday dismissed speculation surrounding the proposed India–US trade agreement, asserting that there will be no compromise on farmers’ interests.
Speaking from Jaipur, the minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a firm stand to ensure that sensitive agricultural sectors remain protected.
Chouhan made it clear that the “door is closed” on imports of key crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, as well as dairy products. He said India, now the world’s largest rice producer, will not allow any imports that could harm domestic farmers.
On the issue of apple imports, the minister explained that India’s annual requirement is about 5.5 lakh metric tonnes, much of which is sourced from countries like Turkey and Iran. He said importing around one lakh metric tonnes from the United States under a duty-protected quota would not affect domestic producers and would only replace part of existing imports.
He also clarified that no concessions have been granted on soybeans and maize. Referring to earlier regimes, Chouhan said agricultural imports had reached $20 billion, including dairy products.
The minister stressed that the Prime Minister has issued clear instructions that no dairy products—including milk, ghee, curd, and paneer—will be allowed to be imported, ensuring full protection for the country’s milk producers.
On cotton, he said domestic production falls short of industrial demand, making limited imports necessary to sustain the textile industry, boost employment, and increase exports. He added that India’s textile exports currently stand at around ₹4 lakh crore, with potential for substantial growth.
Chouhan also said no imports will be allowed for key spice crops such as cumin, fenugreek, and psyllium produced in Rajasthan. Instead, arrangements are being made to increase exports of these spices to markets like the United States with zero duty, directly benefiting Indian farmers.
He reiterated that the government is committed to the Prime Minister’s assurances that India will not bend and that farmers’ interests will remain paramount in all global agreements.
