India–US trade deal safeguards farmers, no compromise on agriculture or dairy: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the India–US trade deal fully protected farmers’ interests and involved no compromise on agriculture or dairy.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, the minister said the agreement posed no threat to staple grains, millets, fruits, major crops or dairy products. Moreover, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear from the beginning that farmers’ interests were non-negotiable.
He added that the government safeguarded both small and large farmers. Therefore, the deal created opportunities instead of risks for Indian agriculture. Chouhan dismissed opposition claims and said they spread misinformation.
The minister also rejected fears about foreign farm products entering India suddenly. According to him, the government did not open any market segment that could harm domestic farmers. As a result, protections for food grains and dairy remain intact.
India–US trade deal to expand exports without harming farmers
Clarifying concerns over a recent statement by the US Treasury Secretary, Chouhan said Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had already explained the facts in Parliament. He reiterated that India made no concessions that would pressure local agriculture.
Highlighting benefits, Chouhan said lower tariffs under the India–US trade deal would boost rice, spice and textile exports. Notably, India recently exported rice worth about ₹63,000 crore. He said textile growth would directly benefit cotton farmers.
Meanwhile, responding to demands for a parliamentary discussion, the minister said the government would share full details at the appropriate time. However, he stressed that the core principle remained unchanged.
Calling farmers “Annadata,” Chouhan said their welfare defined the nation’s progress. He added that serving farmers equalled worship. Therefore, the government would continue to stand firmly with them and prevent unnecessary fear.
