Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A day after a joint statement on the India-US interim trade deal was released, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said it will “give new wings to dreams of farmers”, and rejected Congress’ criticism, saying the deal fully protects agriculture sector and farmers’ interests, with key farm products kept out. The minister also shared a detailed list of Indian farm produce that will be exported to the US at zero duty. The list of such produce also includes spices, tea, coffee, coconut, coconut oil, betel nut, cashew, vegetable wax, avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, mushroom, and some grains. On Congress’ claim that the agreement could turn India into a “dumping ground” for US goods, Chouhan, while rejecting the assertion, said opposition is creating unnecessary fear, and accused the party of failing to link farmers to global markets or ensuring economic stability despite governing the country for long. Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Chouhan said the trade deal is an excellent example of diplomacy, development and dignity. “It is not just a commercial agreement but also a symbol of India’s growing global prestige. This deal will strengthen our economy while also providing it new direction,” the minister said. “The biggest concern was that our major grains should remain secure, and they have all been kept completely secure. No door has been opened for the US for major grains, major fruits and dairy products,” said Chouhan, allaying apprehensions in certain quarters about the deal’s adverse impact on farmers. He said several American agricultural products will not be able to enter the Indian market. “De-husked grains, flour, wheat, corn, rice, millet, potato, onion, peas, beans, cucumber, mushroom, pulses products, frozen vegetables, oranges, grapes, lemon, strawberry and mixed canned vegetables will not come to India,” he said. He further added that no dairy products – such as liquid milk, powder, cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer and cheese – will get entry into India. He said India will also not import black pepper, cloves, dry green chilli, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafoetida, ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, fenugreek, cassia, mustard, rye, husk and other powder spices from the US. “The meaning is clear – our spices and our farmers are completely secure,” he said. He also highlighted the reduced tariffs on Indian textiles compared to competing countries, which he said will boost exports and benefit cotton farmers.
