Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has openly defended the India–US trade deal and said that all farmer interests have been fully protected. He claimed that the agreement will benefit farmers and not harm them in any way.
Speaking on an Aaj Tak programme, Shivraj Singh Chauhan discussed the India–US trade deal. He was asked about the statement of the US Agriculture Secretary, who said a very good deal had been reached between India and the US. After this, concerns were raised that Indian markets might be flooded with American farm products, something India has avoided so far.
Responding to this, the Agriculture Minister said that major food grains, dairy products and key fruits have been protected. He said no market has been opened that would harm Indian farmers. Instead, he added that lower tariffs will give Indian farmers access to new markets. He pointed out that India exported rice worth ₹63,000 crore last year. He also said that growth in textile exports will benefit cotton farmers. Shivraj Singh Chauhan said it is natural for the US to praise the deal from its side, but stressed that Indian farmers will not suffer any loss.
When asked whether Indian farm products would also get benefits in the US market, he said once again that farmers’ interests are safe. He admitted that India needs to import some items like oilseeds and pulses due to low domestic production, but assured that farmers will remain protected.
During the discussion, Shivraj Singh Chauhan also attacked the opposition and Rahul Gandhi. He accused the opposition of damaging democracy by not allowing the Commerce Minister to speak. He said he listened to the opposition patiently during the Viksit Bharat Gram event till midnight, but when he stood up to speak, he was stopped. He alleged that spreading lies and confusion is an attempt to create chaos.
Shivraj further said opposition leaders are so blind in opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi that they have started opposing the country itself, and the public is watching this closely.