New Delhi, Feb 4: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal categorically assured the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the interests of Indian farmers and dairy producers remain secure under the newly announced interim India-US trade deal.
Addressing concerns raised by farmer organizations and opposition leaders, the Minister stated that the government has not compromised on sensitive sectors during negotiations.
The clarification follows a statement by US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who suggested the deal would increase American farm exports to India. This sparked anxiety among domestic groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, who feared a surge of subsidized American goods. However, Goyal maintained that the agreement includes explicit protections to prevent any disruption to the local market.
“India has been successful in protecting the agricultural and dairy sectors,” Goyal said in his statement to the House.
He further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never allowed the interests of the farming community to be compromised. The Minister mentioned that adequate safeguards are built into the agreement to protect these sectors from unfair competition, particularly regarding fertilizers and dairy.
According to officials, the deal focuses on boosting labor-intensive Indian exports such as textiles, leather, and gems while excluding core agricultural staples from tariff concessions. The government noted that the primary objective remains the security of the rural economy while advancing the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
