Agriculture minister Chauhan defends India-US trade deal, says farmers’ interests fully protected

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Friday asserted that the proposed India-US trade arrangement safeguards the interests of Indian farmers and does not compromise the country’s dairy and poultry sectors. 

His response came after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “anti-farmer” and “selling” the country through the India-US interim trade deal. 

“Under the India-US trade deal, we completely safeguarded the interest of our farmers. Furthermore, we did not open the doors for our dairy and poultry sectors. Additionally, farmers who produce spices now will find a new market to sell their products. It will help our farmers and their income will grow,” he said in a video message on X. 

sensitive segments are protected

He maintained that sensitive segments such as dairy and poultry have been kept outside the scope of concessions, a key concern often raised in past trade negotiations. According to the minister, the agreement will instead expand export opportunities for Indian agricultural products, particularly spices, helping farmers access new overseas markets. 

Chauhan further dismissed Gandhi's claims as “baseless”. “Rahul Gandhi is a liar. He has nothing to do with the country and its farmers. He does not like the empowerment of farmers. He is always seen saying anti-national things. He broke all records of lying in his video message,” the minister said. 

Defending the government’s broader record on agriculture, Chauhan said the Prime Minister has consistently acted in farmers’ interests. “Farmers' interest has been fully protected in the recent deal signed with America,” he said. 

“chokehold” on Modi: Rahul Gandhi

In his video message, Gandhi had also alleged that there is a “chokehold” on Modi and that his “reins” are in the hands of US President Donald Trump. The proposed trade deal has triggered political debate, with the government positioning it as an opportunity to boost farm exports while the Opposition questioning its long-term impact on domestic producers. 

Piyush Goyal responds

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also responded to Gandhi’s claims and said that the major crops, including wheat, rice, millets, soybean, corn, GM food products, spices and potatoes, have been "fully safeguarded". "We have also fully protected the interest of farmers producing major fruits, including apples. India's doors have not been opened for dairy products or poultry," he added.