As per the agreement, there is no agriculture produce in the list that will hurt farmers’ interest underlining exclusion of genetically modified -GM produce from the said list, the Union Agriculture Minister Shviraj Singh Chouhan ensures farmers’ interest first. Neither today nor in future the Government will go with the entry of such produce in the country. Seed with potential threat to Indian fertile soil or indigenous seed will never be allowed here. Interacting with the media in Bhopal on Sunday, Union Minister Chouhan reiterated the Central Government’s claim that Indo-American trade deal will not impact country’s agriculture sector adversely. Interests of small and large farmers alike have been fully protected and that the agreement will create fresh opportunities rather than risks for Indian agriculture. Refusing all the apprehensions raised by the Opposition with seeds, Minister Chouhan stated it is the foresighted decision rather it will unequivocally in the interest of Indian farmers.

 

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that farmers’ welfare is the Government’s top priority. Staple grains, fruits, major crops, millets and dairy products remain completely secure and face no threat whatsoever. Highlighting the list of restricted seeds or produce, he mentioned meat, poultry, dairy, soybean, maize, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grain, ethanol and tobacco and many other products are being kept aside in the deal. These products will not be imported from America. Additionally, in fruits category banana, strawberry, cherry, citrus fruits, green pea, moong, pulses, wheat, potato, onion, beans, cucumber, frozen vegetables, orange, grapes, lemon and mix packed vegetables etc will not be imported. Dairy products have also been included in the list of banned items for instance liquid, condensed and powder milk, cream, yogurt, butter milk, ghee, butter oil, paneer etc. This decision will benefit our people depends on milk and its product for their livelihood.

 

He said reduced tariffs will directly benefit cotton-growing farmers, rice, spices and as textile export will increase. The Minister affirmed that the deal is and opens up new export avenues, despite the misinformation being spread by the Opposition. There are restrictions on spice imports as well. He said that black pepper, cloves, dried green chilies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafoetida, ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, fenugreek, mustard, and other powdered spices will also not be imported into India under this agreement. The Union Agriculture Minister reiterated that India-US trade deal is completely farmer-friendly and will not have any adverse impact on Indian agriculture, food security or livelihoods of farming families.