Chouhan Asserts India-US Trade Deal Safeguards Farmers' Interests
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday firmly stated that the recently finalized India-US interim trade agreement was meticulously crafted to ensure no adverse effects on India's farming community. Speaking at a public program, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister emphasized his commitment to protecting agricultural stakeholders.
"I am speaking with full responsibility as the agriculture minister of India. In the trade agreement, we have taken complete care of the interests of Indian farmers. There will be no losses for India's farming community," Chouhan declared, as reported by news agency PTI.
Addressing Concerns Over Agricultural Imports
Chouhan addressed growing apprehensions regarding agricultural imports under the trade pact, explaining that India must import commodities where domestic production is insufficient. "We are not self-sufficient when it comes to pulses even today. If something that we need comes from another country, what is the objection?" he questioned.
He cited specific examples, noting that India imports approximately 5.5 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually from countries like Turkey and Iran. "If one lakh metric tonnes of apple come from the United States, after ensuring that it does not affect our farmers, what is the problem?" he added. Regarding cotton, Chouhan pointed out that imports become necessary when domestic output declines to meet the textile industry's demands.
Political Criticism and Rebuttal
These remarks come amid political scrutiny, particularly from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has raised concerns about the trade agreement's potential impact on farmers and sensitive crops. Without directly naming Gandhi, Chouhan criticized the opposition leader, accusing him of spreading misinformation.
"There is one leader who is a part-time politician and a full-time dramatist. He neither understands trade nor tradition. Those who have never seen villages and farms are making allegations every day," Chouhan asserted.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had questioned whether the interim deal could lead to increased imports of pulses, grains, and genetically modified products, potentially harming Indian farmers. He specifically expressed worries about soya farmers in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan if GM soya oil imports from the US were to cause price shocks.
Contrasting Agricultural Policies
Chouhan also contrasted the current NDA government's policies with those of the previous UPA administration. He highlighted that the UPA government had refused to implement the Swaminathan Committee recommendation to fix the Minimum Support Price at 50% above production cost, citing market distortion concerns.
"It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who decided that MSP will be given at 50 per cent above production cost," Chouhan stated. He further criticized the UPA's handling of sugar buffer stocks during record production in 2006-07 and its decision to place edible oils under open general licence in the 1990s, which increased import dependence.
NDA's Welfare Initiatives and Technological Focus
Chouhan outlined the NDA government's efforts to support farmers, including providing free foodgrain to 80 crore poor people nationwide. "Farmers are 'annadatas'. The government is working to promote the interests of farmers and empower them with technology," he said.
He advocated for natural farming and integrating agriculture with animal husbandry to boost farmers' incomes. "Our effort is to reduce and eliminate the difficulties faced by the farmers. Their welfare is the top priority for the NDA," Chouhan added.
Launch of Bharat-VISTAAR Digital Platform
During the event, Chouhan launched Bharat-VISTAAR, an artificial intelligence-based digital platform designed to provide comprehensive support to farmers. Described as the beginning of a digital revolution in agriculture, this multi-layered platform offers real-time, integrated information and services.
Through Bharat-VISTAAR, farmers will receive AI-based, timely advice on cultivation via a unified digital interface, enhancing transparency and self-reliance. Initially available in Hindi and English, the platform will expand to other Indian languages, providing:
- Mandi prices and farming practices
- Details of central welfare schemes
- Crop-specific scientific advice and weather forecasts
- Agricultural loans and scheme eligibility information
- Application processes on a single platform
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma praised the initiative, stating it would enhance farmers' prosperity by delivering crucial information directly to their mobile devices.
As the debate continues, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has accused Rahul Gandhi of "fearmongering" and misleading farmers and exporters. The government maintains that the interim trade pact successfully balances trade expansion with robust protection of domestic agricultural interests.
