Amid misleading claims being made by the opposition regarding the Indo–US Trade Deal, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has categorically clarified that no compromise has been made with the interests of India’s agriculture or dairy sectors under this agreement.
He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the trade deal stands as a balanced example of Diplomacy, Development and Dignity, where it was clearly established from the outset that farmers’ welfare would remain the top priority.
While interacting with the media in Delhi, Shri Chouhan said that India’s staple grains, major crops, millets, fruits, and dairy products are completely safeguarded. He emphasized that the trade deal will not harm Indian farmers in any way; rather, it will open up new opportunities for them. The Union Minister reiterated that there is no threat to Indian agriculture or the dairy sector, and farmers’ interests remain fully protected.
Addressing concerns that more than 50 percent of the country’s population depends on agriculture and that small farmers could be affected, Shri Chouhan firmly stated that no large or harmful product will be suddenly introduced into the Indian market. He clarified that no market has been opened for core crops, food grains, fruits, or dairy products that could create pressure on Indian farmers or negatively impact their livelihoods.
Responding to confusion created by a tweet from the US Treasury Secretary, the Agriculture Minister said that Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal has already clarified all facts in Parliament.
He assured that the interests of both small and large Indian farmers are secure, and that no major agricultural product market has been opened in a manner that could affect farmers’ income or livelihood.
Shri Chouhan highlighted that India is already a leading exporter of rice to several countries, including the United States. According to recent data, India has exported rice worth approximately ₹63,000 crore. He added that tariff reductions will provide a major boost to exports of rice, spices and textiles. Increased textile exports will directly benefit cotton farmers, leading to a rise in their income.
Response to Opposition’s Allegations:
When the opposition questioned why detailed information about the trade deal should not be shared with Parliament and the public, Shri Chouhan stated that all details will be made public at the appropriate time.
He reiterated that the core objective of the deal is clear—farmers’ interests are fully protected.
Farmers Are Food Providers, Their Welfare Is the Highest Priority:
Agriculture Minister noted that the agricultural sector is vast, and any misinformation can create unnecessary anxiety among farmers. Therefore, it is the government’s responsibility to provide clear, transparent and credible information.
Emotional statement, he said, “Farmers are Annadata providers of food, and food providers are life providers. The interests of farmers are the interests of the nation. Serving farmers is like worship for us, and the Modi government stands firmly with farmers at every step.
FAQs on Indo–US Trade Deal and Indian Agriculture:
Q1. Does the Indo–US Trade Deal harm Indian farmers?
No, the government has confirmed that farmers’ interests are fully protected.
Q2. Is the dairy sector affected by this trade deal?
No, Indian dairy products and farmers remain completely secure.
Q3. Which sectors will benefit the most?
Rice, spices, textiles, and cotton farmers are expected to gain the most.
Q4. Will foreign agricultural products flood Indian markets?
No, no core crops or dairy markets have been opened.
Q5. Where can farmers get reliable updates on such policies?
Farmers can trust verified platforms like Khetivyapar for accurate information.
