Congress Leader Raises Alarm Over US Trade Deal's Threat to Bihar Agriculture
Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Dipendra Singh Huda issued a stark warning to farmers in Bihar on Thursday, highlighting the potential adverse effects of the country's upcoming trade agreement with the United States. He emphasized that the deal could severely impact the cultivation of maize and other crops, as well as fruit farming across the state.
Concerns Over Genetically Modified Crop Imports and Price Depression
Speaking to reporters at the party's state headquarters in Patna, Huda expressed deep concerns about the export of genetically modified (GM) crops from the US. He argued that these imports could significantly depress the prices of domestically grown crops and pose a threat to indigenous varieties. Traditionally, India has maintained a ban on GM crop imports, but Huda claimed the new trade deal would permit the export of processed GM products such as maize, soybean, and other agricultural commodities.
Huda pointed to recent data showing that US cotton exports to India began in the 2024-25 period, with shipments valued at approximately Rs 3,428 crore. He asserted that this influx led to a decline in domestic cotton prices, pushing them about Rs 1,000 per quintal below the minimum support price (MSP). This precedent, he warned, could be replicated with other crops under the proposed trade agreement.
Specific Threats to Bihar's Agricultural Economy
The Congress leader detailed how Bihar's farming sector could be particularly vulnerable. He noted that the eastern districts of the state are renowned for maize cultivation, and Bihar is also actively promoting the growth of jowar (sorghum). Both of these crops, Huda cautioned, could face negative consequences from the trade deal.
Furthermore, Huda highlighted the potential impact on fruit farming. He mentioned that the export of bananas and peanuts from the US, among other fruits, could adversely affect Indian farmers, including those in Bihar where banana and peanut cultivation is significant in certain districts. This could undermine local agricultural livelihoods and reduce market competitiveness for homegrown produce.
Broader Economic Implications and Policy Shifts
Huda expanded his critique beyond agriculture, stating that the trade deal would require India to purchase crude oil from Venezuela at higher prices. This move, he argued, would force the country to abandon its existing policy of procuring oil from other sources like Russia and Iran at lower costs. The increased expense of crude oil procurement, combined with the lifting of non-trade barriers—such as the diesel subsidy provided to farmers by the Bihar government—would place an additional financial burden on the agricultural community.
"The overall impact would be highly destructive," Huda claimed, summarizing his apprehensions about the trade agreement's multifaceted repercussions. He urged policymakers to reconsider the terms to protect the interests of farmers and preserve the stability of Bihar's agricultural economy.
