Shivraj Singh Chouhan assures no compromise on farmers’ interests in India-US trade pact; sensitive crops, dairy fully shielded
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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday asserted that no compromise has been made on the interests of Indian farmers in any trade agreement, stating that sensitive crops such as wheat, rice, and maize remain fully protected from imports.
Speaking amid concerns over the India-US trade agreement, Chouhan said the government has firmly closed the door on imports of key food grains that form the backbone of India’s food security. He noted that India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China, and stressed that no imports have been permitted that could adversely affect domestic farmers.
Apple imports within protective limits
Addressing questions over apple imports, the minister said India’s annual requirement stands at around 5.5 lakh metric tonnes, currently sourced from countries, including Turkey and Iran. He clarified that permitting imports of about 1 lakh metric tonnes from the United States, subject to a quota and an additional duty of ₹25 over the import value of ₹80 per kg, would not harm Indian growers.
The move, he said, merely represents a marginal shift in sourcing and would not impact apple producers in regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
He also categorically ruled out any concessions on soybeans and maize. Drawing a comparison with the previous Congress-led government, he said agricultural imports worth $20 billion, including dairy products, had taken place during that period.
No entry for dairy products
The minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued clear instructions prohibiting the import of dairy products — including milk, ghee, curd and paneer — to safeguard millions of milk-producing farmers across the country.
Cotton imports to support textile industry
On cotton, Chouhan said domestic production falls short of industrial demand, necessitating limited imports to keep the textile sector running and boost exports. He said India’s textile exports currently stand at around ₹4 lakh crore, with the potential to grow significantly, benefiting farmers and the rural economy.
He also announced that no scope has been left for imports of key spice crops such as cumin, fenugreek and psyllium produced in Rajasthan. Instead, the agreement provides for zero-duty access for Indian spices in markets like the US, which he said would directly benefit farmers.
Reiterating the government’s position, Chouhan said trade negotiations are being conducted under a “farmer-first” approach, ensuring that national interest and agricultural welfare remain paramount.