New Delhi, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced on Sunday that a variety of agricultural products from Indian farmers will now be exported to the United States with zero tariffs, while American agricultural products will not benefit from this concession within the Indian market.

Chouhan emphasized that India's agricultural and dairy interests are thoroughly safeguarded, noting that the US has significantly reduced tariffs on many items within the agricultural sector.

“These include spices, tea, coffee, coconut, coconut oil, betel nut, cashew, vegetable wax, avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, mushrooms, and some grains as well,” stated the Union Minister.

“In the fiscal year 2024-25, India's agricultural exports reached $4.45 billion, with an impressive 88 percent surge in spice exports. This trade deal will create a substantial market for our spices in the US,” he noted, adding that this agreement is set to further boost the exports of spices and other agricultural goods.

“No compromises have been made concerning the interests of Indian farmers; every product that could potentially harm farmers has been excluded from the agreement. All sensitive items have been kept outside the deal,” he reaffirmed.

No tariff concessions have been granted to products such as soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, poultry, dairy, banana, strawberry, cherry, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, mung beans, oilseeds, ethanol, and tobacco.

“Our primary concern was ensuring the security of our major grains, and I can confidently say that all of them are completely secure. No access has been granted for the US on major grains, fruits, and dairy products,” the Union Minister confirmed.

“Many American agricultural items will not be allowed entry into the Indian market. Products such as hulled grains, flour, wheat, corn, rice, millet, potato, onion, peas, beans, cucumber, mushrooms, pulses, frozen vegetables, oranges, grapes, lemons, strawberries, and mixed canned vegetables will not come to India,” he further explained.

Regarding dairy products, the Union Minister stated that items such as liquid milk, powder, cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer, and cheese will not be permitted into India.

In addition, India will not import black pepper, cloves, dry green chilies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafoetida, ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, fenugreek, cassia, mustard, mustard seeds, husks, and other powdered spices from the US.

“This is clear evidence: our spices and farmers are entirely secure,” Union Minister Chouhan concluded.

The Union Minister expressed that this agreement will open new avenues for Indian farmers, women, and especially the youth to progress.