‘Fake and baseless’: Piyush Goyal rebuts Rahul Gandhi on US–India trade deal, says farmers fully protected

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading 'fake and baseless narratives' regarding the India–US trade agreement and its impact on Indian farmers.

In a strongly worded statement, Goyal alleged that Gandhi had staged an 'artificial and scripted interaction' with individuals posing as farmer leaders to mislead the public. He claimed the conversation was 'predetermined' and aimed at creating unnecessary fear among farmers.

Farmers' interests fully protected: Piyush Goyal

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Goyal asserted that the Modi government has 'fully protected' the interests of farmers in the India–US trade deal and said he was making the statement 'on record and with full responsibility.'

“This agreement will benefit our farmers, fishermen, youth, MSMEs, startups, artisans and Vishwakarmas,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised in Gandhi’s video, Goyal clarified that soyameal and maize (corn) have not been granted any concessions under the agreement. “There is absolutely no impact on farmers’ interests in these commodities,” he said, accusing the opposition of repeatedly spreading misinformation.

Piyush Goyal rejects claims of unlimited apple imports

On the issue of apple imports, Goyal said India currently imports around 5.5 lakh tonnes of apples annually due to demand exceeding domestic production. He rejected allegations that the trade deal would allow unlimited imports.

“We have only provided a quota, which is much lower than our current imports,” he said. According to the minister, imports under the quota will be subject to a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of Rs 80 per kg, along with a Rs 25 per kg duty, resulting in a landed cost of Rs 105 per kg—higher than the current landed cost of Rs 75 per kg.

“This ensures full protection for our apple farmers,” he added.

Piyush Goyal on Walnut and dairy Imports

On walnuts, Goyal stated that India already imports nearly 60,000 metric tonnes annually, while only a 13,000 metric tonne quota has been offered to the United States at a slightly reduced duty. “How does this hurt our farmers?” he questioned.

The minister also countered Gandhi’s claim that the previous Congress government had restricted agricultural imports. He said that during the Congress rule, India imported nearly $20 billion worth of agricultural products, including dairy items.

“There has been a shortage of certain agricultural products for years, which necessitated imports even during Congress rule,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Goyal accused Gandhi of misleading the country’s farmers and described him as a “drama artist” spreading fabricated allegations. He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised farmers’ welfare through various schemes and policies.

“Farmers’ interests and the nation’s progress will always be protected,” Goyal said, ending his statement with the slogan: “Kisan Surakshit, Desh Viksit.”