Will Farmers' Interests Be Compromised in the US Trade Agreement?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted on Saturday that the Opposition's claims of "the country has been sold, farmers have been sold, farmers will be ruined" are unfounded. He emphasized that the India-US trade agreement will pave the way for India's growth, enhance exports, generate job opportunities, and elevate farmers' earnings.
"Our spices will be exported, rice exports to these markets will rise, and our dairy products are secure, leading to significant benefits for Indian farmers," stated the minister.
Chouhan initiated a nationwide pulses revolution from Amlaha in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh.
Addressing the ongoing political discourse regarding the India-US pact, the Union Minister criticized the Opposition for claiming that an agreement with the United States would jeopardize Indian farmers.
He reminded everyone that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged, "I will not let the country bow" and that farmers' interests will be safeguarded at any cost.
The recent pact with the US, following agreements with 27 EU nations and prior FTAs, "demonstrates that the interests of both the country and its farmers are thoroughly protected," asserted Chouhan.
Responding to farmers' primary concerns, he noted, "Maize, wheat, rice, soybean, poultry, milk, paneer, ethanol, tobacco, various vegetables, and numerous other agricultural and dairy products are completely safeguarded."
He stressed that the market for these products remains secure for Indian farmers; imports of maize, wheat, rice, soy, poultry, milk, paneer, ethanol, tobacco, and many sensitive vegetables from the US will not occur.
He further reiterated that these products will not come from the US, ensuring that India's interests are fully protected.
"Now, India is set to become an exporter of pulses, and despite recent global agreements, the interests of Indian farmers will remain untouched," he concluded.
Chouhan mentioned that this agreement will also benefit other sectors, especially our exporters, MSMEs, and the youth.