Gandhinagar, Feb 15 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday dismissed the Congress' allegations that India's latest trade agreements with the United States and the European Union would negatively impact farmers, asserting that the government has guaranteed comprehensive protection for agriculture, dairy, and fisheries in every agreement.

During his speech at an event in Gandhinagar after launching the country's first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System, Shah accused the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, of deceiving farmers regarding the consequences of free trade agreements.

“It is absurd for Rahul Gandhi to speak in Parliament about safeguarding farmers. The Congress has a long-standing reputation for misleading the nation and is now propagating falsehoods about trade agreements,” he stated.

The Home Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized the protection of farmers, cattle-rearers, and fishermen during negotiations.

“In all agreements with the European Union and the United States, Prime Minister Modi has secured your interests,” he asserted.

Shah highlighted the government's initiatives for the agricultural sector, noting that the Union agriculture budget increased from Rs 26,000 crore during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's era to Rs 1,29,000 crore under the current Modi-led government.

He also remarked that the procurement of food grains at the Minimum Support Price has multiplied fifteen times over the last decade compared to the previous UPA government.

“For 70 years, the Congress talked about loan waivers but accomplished nothing. Today, Rs 6,000 is being directly deposited into farmers' bank accounts to prevent them from needing loans,” he said.

In response to concerns about the potential negative effects of free trade agreements on India's dairy sector, Shah asserted that the government has strengthened, rather than weakened, dairy production.

“In every agreement, comprehensive protection has been established for the dairy sector,” he added.

He also invited Rahul Gandhi to engage in a public debate on the matter, suggesting any platform, with the Bharatiya Janata Party's Yuva Morcha President ready to participate.

His comments come in light of recent trade advancements, including a trade deal announcement from the US following a discussion between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Last month, India and the European Union concluded negotiations and unveiled a free trade agreement.