Will there be a trade pact that jeopardizes our farmers' interests?

New Delhi, Aug 16 (NationPress) No trade agreement will be allowed to jeopardize the interests of our farmers, declared Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritizes the welfare of farmers and national interests above everything else.

The rapid progress of India has caused unease in certain global regions.

Our guiding principle is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world is a single family — and our agreements are constructed on the foundation of equality, the minister stated during a dialogue with farmers.

He mentioned India’s deal with the UK, where Indian agricultural products can be exported duty-free.

However, Chouhan cautioned that any agreement that permits an influx of inexpensive foreign goods such as maize, soybeans, or wheat could devastate Indian farmers, given the stark contrast between our small farms (1–5 acres) and large foreign farms (10,000–20,000 hectares).

“Such low-cost imports would lower market prices and make it challenging for Indian farmers to recoup their expenses,” he noted, praising PM Modi for his assurance that no agreement will compromise the interests of our farmers, livestock breeders, or fishers.

Chouhan also urged farmers to embrace the Swadeshi (indigenous) movement in line with PM Modi’s call, asserting that purchasing locally produced goods will generate employment for millions.

He explained that “Swadeshi” refers to products made within our own country.

The Prime Minister has passionately urged citizens to support Swadeshi products. By choosing locally made goods, especially those created by women’s Self-Help Groups, we can foster job creation for millions.

“If we purchase earthen lamps from our potters for Diwali, not only will our homes glow with light, but theirs will too, illuminating the path to employment,” the minister remarked.

Chouhan further stated that the Prime Minister has insisted that the government should be evident not in paperwork, but in the lives of citizens. He shared an instance from his recent field trip, where farmers expressed that a herbicide intended to eliminate weeds had instead harmed their crops. He mandated legal action against such companies and called for stringent measures. Steps are being initiated to ensure that all schemes effectively reach farmers.

For the first time, agricultural scientists are visiting villages, bringing the lab directly to the land, collaborating with farmers for enhanced productivity. This initiative will be repeated from October 3 to 18.