New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Parliament was informed on Friday that the Union government is actively overseeing the nation's import and export activities, regularly updating trade policies to protect domestic interests.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, noted in a written reply during a Rajya Sabha session that there exists an Inter-Ministerial Committee focused on essential agricultural commodities, which consistently monitors these items while analyzing factors impacting their availability and market dynamics.

This committee also tracks any increase in imports to swiftly identify trends that could affect domestic production, trade, or food security.

To safeguard farmers' interests and lessen unnecessary imports, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) evaluates the import of agricultural products and, when necessary, suggests actions such as import duties or port restrictions to relevant ministries.

The government backs farmers through various ongoing programs and interventions. These include market intervention via procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme for designated crops, as well as Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) operations to manage market volatility for key commodities like onions. The government also employs market intelligence and buffer stocking initiatives through central agencies.

In addition, the government implements input and income support programs, such as PM-KISAN, aimed at providing a safety net for farmers amid income variability. Collectively, these strategies are designed to alleviate the negative impacts on farmers resulting from market disruptions, the minister explained.

The Department of Commerce, via the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), offers financial support to member exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) nationwide under its Financial Assistance Program.

Specifically regarding connecting farmers to global markets, APEDA assists with funding for the implementation and certification of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) through its registered exporters, ensuring they meet the quality standards mandated by importing countries.

Moreover, approximately 1080 capacity building/training programs were conducted in 2025-26 across India, in collaboration with state government agencies, targeting exporters, including FPOs, FPCs, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to connect farmer groups to the export supply chain and encourage entrepreneurship among potential exporters.

Finally, APEDA has facilitated participation for its member exporters, including FPOs and FPCs, in major international food exhibitions and buyer-seller meetings both in India and abroad, such as World Food India, Indus Food, AAHAR in India, and Gulf Food, as noted by the minister.