Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted on Monday that India‘s free trade agreements (FTAs) with other nations consistently place the interests of the nation’s farmers and the country’s overall welfare at the forefront. This statement was made in response to accusations from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had compromised India’s agricultural sector by entering into agreements with the United States. Chouhan, speaking to reporters in Srinagar, strongly refuted these claims, stating that the previous administrations, specifically mentioning the Congress party, had historically neglected and harmed farmers and agricultural land. He emphasized that any current government initiatives are met with criticism, but he maintained with firm conviction that all FTAs undertaken have been executed with the paramount interests of the Indian populace as the primary consideration.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the Union minister further elaborated on the safeguarding of agricultural interests within these trade pacts. He reiterated that the agreements have been structured with the well-being of farmers as a central tenet. Chouhan pointed out that while India has engaged in numerous FTAs, a specific agreement with the United States has not yet materialized. He reiterated that any FTAs that have been finalized are demonstrably in favor of both the farming community and the nation as a whole. Addressing specific concerns raised by apple growers regarding a potential FTA with New Zealand, Chouhan assured that any importations would occur strictly on India’s own terms and conditions. He indicated his intention to meet with the growers directly to listen to their apprehensions and incorporate their feedback.
The minister provided context on India’s apple market, noting that the country has an annual consumption of approximately 26 lakh metric tons, while domestic production stands at around 20 lakh metric tons. This deficit necessitates the import of roughly six lakh metric tons of apples annually. Chouhan stated that the government’s objective is to enhance domestic production to reduce reliance on imports. However, he stressed that any imports that do take place are conducted under India’s stipulated conditions, not those of the exporting nations, thereby ensuring the protection of Indian farmers. He clarified that India retains the authority to determine the pricing of imported apples. Furthermore, Chouhan highlighted that India imposes import duties on apples, a measure designed to safeguard the domestic industry. He acknowledged that imports have been occurring for several years due to the existing deficit, but underscored that the paramount consideration remains the welfare of Indian farmers. The Union minister is scheduled to launch Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV, Batch-II, at a special program at the SKICC in Srinagar on Tuesday. Additionally, he will disburse Rs 4,568.23 crore as the central share to 24 states and Union Territories under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), reinforcing the central government’s commitment to empowering women in Jammu and Kashmir to achieve the status of ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
