From milk to grains: Which products face a ‘red signal’ in US trade deal

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has clarified the ongoing controversy surrounding the India-US trade deal and its framework. Responding to the allegations leveled against the government, Chouhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not allowed the country to bow down, nor has he allowed the interests of farmers to be harmed. Responding to the opposition, he clarified that the agreement does not include any product that could harm Indian agriculture and farmers, and that sensitive agricultural products have been completely excluded from the deal.

No compromise on milk, ghee, grains and fruits

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while explaining the details of the deal, said that no doors have been opened for America for our main crops, fruits and dairy sector. He categorically stated that no tariff exemption has been given to America on products like soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, grains, poultry, bananas, strawberries, cherries, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, mung beans, oilseeds, ethanol and tobacco. Putting an end to the ongoing concerns regarding the dairy sector, the minister clarified that no liquid milk, powder, cream, curd, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer or cheese will be imported into India. This means that American agricultural products have not been granted entry into the Indian market.

America reduces tariffs on Indian goods

The Union Minister stated that this deal is not one-sided but will greatly benefit Indian farmers. He informed that the United States has reduced tariffs on many Indian agricultural products from 50 percent to zero (0). This has opened the US market to Indian products. He claimed that many agricultural products from India will now be exported to the US at zero duty. The results are already visible; our spice exports have increased by 88 percent and we have exported spices to 200 countries around the world.

Textile and women groups also benefit

Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that even in the textile sector, our tariffs have been kept significantly lower than those of our competitors, which will strengthen the Indian textile industry. Furthermore, this agreement will also have a positive impact on the lives of women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs). In his detailed statement, he dismissed all allegations against the government and reiterated that the Modi government has prioritized the interests of farmers at every step.