No steps taken in India-US trade deal that harm farmers: Goyal
In a significant development, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has reassured the nation that the India-US trade deal has been crafted with the best interests of Indian farmers in mind. Addressing concerns that the agreement might harm the agricultural sector, Goyal stated that no measures have been taken that would negatively impact the country’s farmers. On the contrary, he highlighted that many agricultural products from Indian farmers will now be exported to the US at zero duty, providing a significant boost to the sector.
This clarification comes as a relief to the farming community, which has been apprehensive about the potential consequences of the trade deal. The Indian government has been engaged in negotiations with the US to finalize a trade agreement that would increase bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. While the deal is expected to have far-reaching benefits for various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and technology, concerns had been raised about its potential impact on Indian farmers.
Goyal’s statement suggests that the government has been mindful of the farmers’ interests and has worked to ensure that the agreement does not harm them. He expressed surprise that some people in India, who claim to be champions of farmers’ rights, are opposing the deal. “Some people in India, who are against the interests of the farmers, are surprised by the deal,” he said, implying that these individuals are motivated by vested interests rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of farmers.
The decision to allow Indian agricultural products to be exported to the US at zero duty is a significant concession, one that is expected to benefit farmers across the country. The US is one of the largest markets for agricultural products, and this move is likely to increase India’s agricultural exports significantly. Indian farmers will now have access to a vast and lucrative market, where they can sell their products without having to pay duties or tariffs.
This development is also expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy, as increased agricultural exports will earn valuable foreign exchange and create new opportunities for economic growth. The government has been working to promote agricultural exports, and this agreement is a major step forward in achieving that goal.
Goyal’s statement should allay the fears of farmers and the general public, who had been concerned about the potential impact of the trade deal on Indian agriculture. The government’s commitment to protecting the interests of farmers is evident, and this agreement is a testament to that commitment.
In recent years, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to support farmers and improve their livelihoods. These initiatives include measures such as soil health cards, crop insurance, and irrigation schemes, which have helped to increase agricultural productivity and income. The decision to allow zero-duty exports of agricultural products to the US is another step in this direction, one that is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of farmers across the country.
As the trade deal between India and the US takes shape, it is clear that the government has been working to ensure that the agreement benefits all sections of society, including farmers. While there may be some who oppose the deal for their own reasons, the fact remains that the agreement has the potential to transform the Indian economy and improve the lives of millions of people.
In conclusion, the Commerce Minister’s statement should reassure farmers and the general public that the India-US trade deal has been crafted with their interests in mind. The decision to allow zero-duty exports of agricultural products to the US is a significant concession, one that is expected to benefit farmers across the country. As the government continues to work towards finalizing the trade agreement, it is clear that the interests of Indian farmers have been protected and promoted.
News source: https://x.com/ANI/status/2020058239543701827
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