Protection of farmers' interest in US deal surprised some: Govt's dig at Opposition

Piyush Goyal dismissed criticism that the India-US trade deal would harm farmers and small producers, asserting that the interim framework fully safeguards their interests.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry on Saturday rebutted criticism that the India-US trade deal would hurt farmers and small-scale producers, asserting that the pact has been designed and finalised to fully protect their interests.

Explaining the contours of the interim framework of the trade deal that New Delhi and Washington outlined on Friday evening, the minister said the interests of farmers are paramount to the government, and accused critics of spreading negativity over the agreement.

"There are some people in the nation who are against the interests of the farmers. They don't worry about the farmers' interests; mislead the public of the nation. They are surprised to see that no steps have been taken in the India-US trade agreement that go against the interests of the farmers of the nation," Goyal told media.

"We have not done anything under the trade deal that will affect farmers or dairy producers. All goods that are sensitive in India, and where our farmers are self-reliant, have been exempted from the deal," the minister said as he listed items exempted from the deal.

For example, according to the minister, no genetically modified goods will be allowed to enter India under the deal. No tariff concessions have been given on meat.

"There will be no concessions on poultry, dairy products, soybean, maize (corn), rice, sugarcane, sugar, or millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, kodo, and amaranth (Kingseed). In the case of fruits, India produces enough domestically. Items such as bananas, strawberries, cherries, and citrus fruits are not part of the deal," Goyal explained.