Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that the proposed India-US trade deal fully protects country’s agricultural and dairy sectors, asserting that there has been no compromise on farmers’ interests.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Chouhan said the government has ensured that India’s staple grains, millets, fruits, major crops and dairy products remain outside the scope of any market-opening measures that could harm domestic producers. He stressed that both small and large farmers are adequately protected under the proposed arrangement.
The minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear from the outset that farmers’ interests were non-negotiable, and that the trade deal reflects a careful balance between expanding export opportunities and safeguarding domestic agriculture.
Responding to concerns that increased access for US farm products could adversely affect Indian farmers, Chouhan dismissed fears of a sudden influx of foreign agricultural goods. He said no market segment has been opened in a manner that could threaten Indian producers, adding that protections for key crops and dairy products remain intact.
Chouhan also addressed confusion arising from a recent statement by the US Treasury Secretary regarding access for American farm products. He said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had already clarified the issue in Parliament, reiterating that India has not agreed to any provisions that would undermine domestic farming interests.
Highlighting the potential benefits of the deal, the minister said reduced tariffs would help boost India’s exports of rice, spices and textiles. He noted that India already exports rice worth about ₹63,000 crore globally, including to the United States, and that higher textile exports would directly benefit cotton farmers across the country.
On opposition demands for a detailed parliamentary discussion, Chouhan said the government would share all relevant information at an appropriate stage, while maintaining that the core principle of protecting farmers’ interests would not change.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to the agricultural community, the minister said farmers are the “annadata” of the nation and their welfare remains a top priority for the government.
