No Compromise On Farmers in India–US Trade Talks: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

New Delhi, Feb 18 (KNN) Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reiterated that interest of farmers has not been compromised in the proposed India-US trade deal, dismissing the allegations of the opposition parties.
 
Speaking in Jaipur, Rajasthan, he stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government will not permit any agreement that harms domestic agricultural producers.

The Minister said the “door is closed” to imports of sensitive staples such as wheat, rice and maize, and  stated that dairy products including milk and milk derivatives will not be allowed entry into the Indian market.

He emphasised that India, now the world’s largest rice producer, will not accept imports that could adversely affect self-sufficiency or farm incomes.

Addressing concerns regarding apples, Chouhan noted that India’s annual requirement of around 5.5 lakh metric tonnes is partially met through imports from countries such as Turkey and Iran.

He said that permitting a limited quota of approximately one lakh metric tonnes of apples from the United States, subject to applicable duties, would not undermine domestic growers and would represent only a marginal shift in sourcing.

On soybeans and maize, the Minister clarified that no concessions have been granted. He also referred to agricultural import levels under previous administrations, stating that the current government’s approach prioritises protective safeguards.

With respect to cotton, Chouhan explained that domestic output does not fully meet industrial demand, necessitating calibrated imports to sustain textile manufacturing, employment and export growth.

He noted that India’s textile exports currently amount to approximately Rs 4 lakh crore, with potential for further expansion.

The Minister further stated that there will be no import window for key spice crops such as cumin, fenugreek and psyllium, particularly those produced in Rajasthan.

Instead, arrangements have been made to enhance export access to markets such as the United States, including zero-duty provisions, which he said would directly benefit Indian farmers.

Reiterating the government’s position, Chouhan said that national sovereignty and farmer welfare remain paramount in all trade negotiations.

He added that every international agreement is being evaluated through what he described as a “farmer-first” framework to ensure that India’s agricultural and rural interests remain protected.

(KNN Bureau)