&format=webp&quality=medium)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare confirmed that the India-US trade talks will not harm Indian farmers. Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan mentioned that farmers' interests have been fully prioritised.
The minister declared that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers' rights are protected and safe throughout Indian territory. He also mentioned that the government has shut all pathways for importing crops, including wheat, rice and maize, as the government wants India to maintain the title of world's largest rice producer.
The minister declared that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers' rights are protected and safe throughout Indian territory. He also mentioned that the government has shut all pathways for importing crops, including wheat, rice and maize, as India currently holds the title of the world's largest rice producer.
The minister confirmed that the government has maintained its complete control over the soybean and maize trade. He declared that India will prohibit all dairy product imports, including milk, ghee, curd and paneer, as the decision aims to safeguard small dairy farmers throughout the entire country.
He also explained that India requires approximately Rs 5.5 lakh metric tons of apples annually to meet its demand for apple imports.
India currently imports large quantities of apples from multiple countries, including Turkey and Iran. The importation of Rs 1 lakh metric tons will take place under the United States fixed quota system, while additional duty charges will apply, which will not affect Indian apple farmers. He stated that the practice of sourcing would change from one nation to another, while the local agriculture industry would remain unaffected.
The minister explained that India requires cotton imports because domestic production fails to satisfy industrial needs.
The textile industry operates efficiently because limited cotton imports create job opportunities and drive export growth. Indian textile exports currently reached a value Rs 4 lakh crore, which holds significant potential for future expansion. The overall advantage will affect both farmers and the economic development of rural areas.
The government has announced a ban on spice crop imports, including cumin, fenugreek, and psyllium, that Indian farmers cultivate in Rajasthan and other regions. The Indian government is now working to boost spice exports to the United States markets by offering zero duty rates, which will create direct advantages for farmers.
Chouhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made two commitments to Indian citizens: that India would never surrender and that farmers' rights would remain protected.
The government maintains its commitment to both its pledges. He stated that every international agreement will undergo a thorough assessment based on a 'farmer-first' methodology.
The clarification comes amid discussions and concerns about the impact of the India-US trade talks on agriculture. The government maintains complete protection for India's food security system, its dairy industry and its major agricultural products. The minister stated that all decisions aim to protect domestic farmers from unfair competition while enabling them to benefit from trade arrangements.
