Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday affirmed that India is committed to safeguarding the interests of its farmers while evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of ongoing agricultural market access negotiations with the United States.&nbsp;
Speaking to a news agency, Chouhan emphasised, "Our priority is to protect the interest of our farmers. India will not work by closing its eyes. We will assess our gains and losses. Keeping that in mind, an agreement will be finalised."&nbsp;
His remarks addressed concerns over how India plans to shield its farming community amid US demands for enhanced access for American agricultural and horticultural goods.
Officials from both nations are expected to finalise the framework defining the key elements of the initial phase of their bilateral trade agreement, which is projected to be concluded by autumn 2025, between September and October.&nbsp;
The minister further stated, "The discussions are ongoing between India and the US. One thing is clear, we will protect the interest of our farmers. When we talk about two nations, we need to see the overall trade."
According to a NITI Aayog publication titled "Promoting India-US Agricultural Trade under the new US Trade Regime," American agricultural and related product exports to India amounted to around $2.22 billion during the three-year period ending in 2024. Conversely, Indian agricultural exports to the US totalled $5.75 billion in the same timeframe.
India&rsquo;s primary agricultural exports to the US market include frozen shrimp, basmati rice, spices, processed cereals, and a range of other value-added items. Meanwhile, the US is aiming to expand its exports of products such as corn, soybeans, and animal feed to India. However, these ambitions are challenged by steep Indian tariffs, which in the agricultural sector average between 39 and 50 per cent.
India remains wary of fully liberalising its agriculture and dairy sectors, citing worries about possible adverse reactions from rural populations and the need to shield domestic farmers from fluctuations in global commodity prices.
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(With inputs from agencies)
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Shivraj Singh Chouhan stresses farmers’ interests in India-US trade negotiations.

India to Prioritise Farmers in US Trade Talks

Shivraj Singh Chouhan stresses farmers’ interests in India-US trade negotiations.

June 9, 2025 | 24:00 IST