TradeDeal – Chouhan Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Misleading Farmers on US Pact
TradeDeal – Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he is attempting to confuse farmers over the recently announced interim trade framework between India and the United States. Chouhan maintained that the agreement safeguards the interests of key domestic sectors and dismissed claims that it would hurt agricultural producers.
Minister Defends Farmers’ Interests in Agreement
Addressing reporters, Chouhan said the trade arrangement prioritizes national interest and protects farmers, fishermen, artisans, startups, and micro, small and medium enterprises. He argued that statements suggesting otherwise are politically motivated and not supported by facts.
According to the minister, concerns being raised about agricultural imports are misplaced. He explained that the framework includes safeguards such as minimum import prices and restricted quotas, which are designed to prevent any adverse impact on domestic producers.
Import Limits and Pricing Mechanisms Explained
Referring to the issue of apple imports, Chouhan said India currently brings in around 5.5 lakh metric tons of apples. He noted that the minimum import price stands at Rs. 80 per kilogram, with an additional Rs. 25 added, taking the landing cost to Rs. 105 per kilogram. Given these figures, he questioned how such imports could undercut local growers.
On walnuts, he stated that India already imports approximately 60,000 metric tons annually. Under the new arrangement, only a limited quota of 13,000 metric tons has been allowed, which he said would not destabilize the domestic market. He also pointed out that no subsidies have been extended to soybean and maize imports under the framework.
Countering Claims About Previous Import Policies
Chouhan further rejected Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that agricultural imports were completely restricted during the tenure of the previous Congress-led government. He said that even during that period, agricultural imports worth about 20 billion dollars took place, including dairy products.
He emphasized that imports are carried out based on national requirements and that no government can entirely shut its doors to international trade. The minister accused the opposition of selectively presenting information to create anxiety among farmers.
Praise for Prime Minister’s Agricultural Policies
The Agriculture Minister also highlighted what he described as the consistent efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the rural economy. Chouhan said the government has introduced several schemes aimed at improving farmers’ incomes, expanding irrigation, and promoting self-reliance in agriculture.
He asserted that policy decisions are taken after careful consideration of long-term national interest and with the welfare of farmers at the forefront. The goal, he added, is to build a resilient agricultural sector that contributes to a self-reliant India.
Rahul Gandhi Meets Farmer Union Leaders
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi convened a meeting at his Parliament office with representatives from 17 farmer unions across the country to discuss the interim trade framework. Leaders present at the meeting expressed apprehensions that the deal could negatively affect growers of corn, soybean, cotton, fruits, and nuts.
Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA from Bholath and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, shared details of the discussion on social media. He stated that the farm leaders voiced strong opposition to the trade pact and warned of potential risks to farmers’ livelihoods. According to him, participants stressed the need for collective action to safeguard agricultural incomes and rights.
The delegation included figures such as Advocate Ashok Balhara, PT John, and Tejveer Singh. Their joint statement signaled that farmer groups are closely monitoring developments related to the agreement and may consider broader mobilization if concerns remain unaddressed.
With contrasting narratives emerging from the government and opposition, the India-US interim trade framework has become a focal point of debate. While the government insists that protective measures are firmly in place, several farmer organizations continue to seek greater clarity and assurances regarding the long-term impact on India’s agricultural sector.