Govt Firm on India–US Trade Pact: Farmers & Dairy Fully Protected
In a decisive clarification amid ongoing discussions on the India–US Trade Agreement, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphatically rejected speculation that agricultural and dairy products would be opened up to US imports. Speaking from Jaipur, the minister reiterated that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s directives, farmers’ interests remain paramount and there will be no compromise on food security or rural livelihoods in any trade pact.
Chouhan explicitly stated that India has “closed the door” on imports of sensitive crops and products that could adversely affect domestic agriculture — including wheat, rice, maize and all dairy products such as milk, ghee, curd and paneer. He emphasised that India’s global leadership in rice production and its extensive dairy ecosystem supporting millions of smallholder producers make unrestricted imports both unnecessary and harmful to rural incomes.
Addressing specific concerns, the minister clarified that soybeans and maize have received no concessions under the trade framework, countering narratives suggesting vulnerabilities in India’s feed or cereal sectors. On apples — a horticultural item that India imports due to climatic limitations — he said a limited quota with protective duties (e.g., ₹25 duty over an ₹80/kg base) may be used to diversify sources without undermining local growers.
Chouhan also contrasted past import trends, noting that previous regimes had seen agricultural imports including dairy products worth billions, which many stakeholders believe impacted domestic producers. In contrast, the current stance is to shield farmers by prohibiting dairy import at any cost, ensuring that milk-producing households are not exposed to unfair competition.
Beyond dairy and staples, the minister highlighted sector-specific trade elements:
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Cotton imports are permitted where domestic production falls short, supporting textile industry demand and employment.
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Spice exports such as cumin, fenugreek and psyllium are being facilitated with zero duty access to the US, offering direct income gains for Indian spice growers without reciprocal import obligations.
Reinforcing the government’s “farmer-first” approach, Chouhan underscored that all global agreements will be evaluated through the lens of national food security, rural welfare and self-sufficiency — principles that frame India’s trade policy and align with broader strategic autonomy goals under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 18th 2026 PIB
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