Govt negotiates for FTAs only after safeguarding interests of Indian agriculture: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Chouhan has yet to issue an official statement on US President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the India-US trade deal.

On the question regarding the non-fulfilment of assurance to farmers, Chouhan said, “Issues relating to farmers are addressed proactively and expeditiously by the government to ensure their socio-economic well-being. After the repeal of the three farm laws in 2021, the government held seven rounds of discussions in two phases with Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) at the level of the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister.” He said the first discussion was held on February 8, 2024. Subsequent discussions were held on 12, 15, and 18 February 12, 15, and 18, the same year, as well as on February 14 and 22 in 2025, and on March 19 in 2025.

“Through sustained dialogue, most of the issues, such as, issues relating to the Electricity Amendment Bill; setting up of national commissions for chilli, turmeric and other spices; rights of tribal communities over water, forest and land under the Fifth Schedule; stricter punishment for manufacture of fake/spurious seeds, fertilisers and pesticides; and rationalisation of penal provisions related to paddy-straw burning etc. have been addressed,” he said.

On Monday, Trump announced a major breakthrough in India–US trade negotiations, stating that India has agreed to purchase USD 500 billion worth of US energy, agricultural products, coal, and other commodities under the proposed trade deal. Subsequently, US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins noted that the agreement would expand access for American farm products in the Indian market and help reduce the US agricultural trade deficit with India, which stood at USD 1.3 billion in 2024.