-APS Noorpuri
CHANDIGARH : Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today categorically assured Parliament that India’s sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors remain fully protected under the recently announced interim India–US trade agreement. Addressing concerns raised by farmer organisations and political leaders following remarks by the US Agriculture Secretary suggesting expanded access for American farm products to the Indian market, the Minister clarified in the Lok Sabha that no concessions have been made that could harm domestic farmers or dairy producers. “India has been successful in protecting the agricultural and dairy sectors,” Mr. Goyal told the House, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never allowed the interests of farmers to be compromised. He emphasised that adequate safeguards have been built into the agreement to prevent unfair competition and confirmed that India’s sensitivities in fertilisers and agriculture have been fully taken into account.
The Minister noted that the agreement, finalised after nearly a year of negotiations, reflects India’s long-standing and firm position that core agricultural staples, dairy products, and other sensitive items are non-negotiable. He underlined that there is no blanket opening of agricultural markets and no move towards zero tariffs on such products. Any tariff adjustments, he said, are restricted to non-sensitive categories, with explicit protections for vulnerable segments of the rural economy. Reiterating the Government of India’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, Mr. Goyal stated that the interim deal is aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. The agreement aims to promote labour-intensive exports such as textiles, apparel, leather, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and seafood, thereby generating employment and strengthening MSMEs—without undermining agriculture or dairy.
“The first priority of the government is the welfare and security of our farmers,” the Minister stressed. He further assured that the forthcoming joint India–US statement would provide additional details, but maintained that the position conveyed in Parliament leaves no room for doubt: Indian farmers’ interests are safeguarded, and the agricultural and dairy sectors remain shielded. The Government of India affirmed that the interim trade arrangement is a balanced and carefully negotiated outcome—opening new economic opportunities for the country while keeping farmers’ interests paramount.
