Bhopal, February 8: Central Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clarified on Sunday that the framework of the INDIA-U.S. trade agreement will not harm the interests of Indian Farmers. He stated that the U.S. has reduced tariffs to zero on several Indian agricultural products, while India has ensured full protection for its farmers and agricultural sector.
During a press conference in Bhopal, Chouhan emphasized that the interests of Indian farmers are completely secure under the India-U.S. trade deal. He made it clear that no major crops, fruits, dairy products, or spices have been opened up for U.S. imports, meaning there is no compromise on India’s sensitive agricultural sectors.
The minister noted that, under this agreement, the average tariff on Indian products in the U.S. has dropped to 18 percent. While the U.S. claims that this deal will aid in exporting its agricultural products to India, Chouhan firmly stated that India has not granted any special concessions to U.S. agricultural products.
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement, he said, “The Prime Minister has assured that he will not let the country bow down and will protect the interests of farmers. This trade agreement fully considers both these aspects. When we look at agriculture and agricultural products, no product has been included that would harm Indian farmers.”
Chouhan elaborated on the products that have not received any tariff concessions. He mentioned that products like soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, grains, poultry, dairy products, bananas, strawberries, cherries, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, mung beans, oilseeds, ethanol, and tobacco have no concessions. Additionally, there will be no imports of dairy products such as milk, powder, cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer, and cheese into India. He assured that Indian spices are also completely secure.
The Agriculture Minister highlighted that many Indian agricultural products are now being exported to the U.S. at zero tariffs, while no such concessions have been granted for U.S. agricultural products in the Indian market. He stated that the U.S. has reduced tariffs on several agricultural products from 50 percent to zero, significantly boosting India’s exports.
He also mentioned that India’s spice exports have increased by 88 percent, with Indian spices and spice products being exported to nearly 200 countries worldwide, directly benefiting farmers. Referring to the textile sector, he noted that India’s tariff is quite low compared to competing countries, standing at 18 percent. This agreement will also improve the income and living standards of women’s self-help groups.
Chouhan stated that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, a total of nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have been signed, including with the U.S., and discussions are ongoing with several other countries. He asserted that all these agreements will serve as milestones in building a ‘developed India’ and a self-reliant India by 2047.
He also mentioned that upon the successful implementation of the interim agreement, the U.S. will remove reciprocal tariffs on several items, including generic drugs, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts. This will further strengthen India’s industries and exports.
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