No Compromise on Agriculture or Dairy, Farmers’ Interests Fully Protected, Says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Amid opposition allegations over the India–US trade deal, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said there had been no compromise on Indian agriculture, particularly farming and the dairy sector. He described the agreement as a fresh example of diplomacy, development, and dignity under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Chouhan said India’s key cereals, fruits, major crops, millets, and dairy products were fully protected, and there was no threat to the agriculture or dairy sectors. On the contrary, he said, the agreement would open up new opportunities for Indian farmers.

Targeting the opposition, the minister said, “You level allegations and do not allow answers. What kind of democratic tradition is this?” He reiterated that all details of the deal would be made public in due course, but its core message was clear: farmers’ interests remain fully safeguarded.

Addressing concerns about a possible impact on small farmers due to the India–US trade agreement, Chouhan said nothing “big” would suddenly flood the Indian market. He stressed that all major crops, cereals, fruits, and dairy products were secure, and no sector had been opened in a manner that could harm Indian farmers.

Responding to a tweet by the US Treasury Secretary suggesting increased entry of American agricultural products into India, Chouhan said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had already clarified the facts in Parliament. He added that he was reiterating the same position: the interests of all Indian farmers, small and large, were fully protected, and markets for key agricultural products had not been opened in a way that would put pressure on farmers.

Rice, Spices, and Textile Exports to Get a Boost

The agriculture minister said India was already a major exporter of rice to several countries, including the United States. According to recent data, rice exports stood at around Rs 63,000 crore.

He added that lower tariffs would boost exports of rice, spices, and textiles. An increase in textile exports, he said, would directly benefit cotton farmers. Overall, Chouhan maintained, the agreement served farmers’ interests, and despite opposition attempts to create confusion, the facts showed that farmers were protected and new export opportunities were emerging.

Attack on the Opposition

Responding to allegations by Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders, Chouhan said the Congress and the opposition had become frustrated and despondent. He claimed that repeated electoral defeats had pushed them into a mindset of blind opposition, leading them to spread lies and rumors in the name of farmers.

He accused the opposition of turning into a “machine of lies” and a “market of rumours,” attempting to create an atmosphere of disorder, even as the facts favored farmers.

The minister also expressed deep anguish over the opposition’s conduct in Parliament. He said that in his long political career, he had rarely witnessed such behavior. Sitting on the steps of Parliament, making “cheap comments,” calling ministers “traitors,” and using terms such as “surrender,” he said, amounted to a blatant insult to democracy and parliamentary decorum.