Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 8: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said the India–US trade agreement will allow a wide range of Indian agricultural products to enter the United States at zero tariffs, while American farm goods will not receive similar concessions in the Indian market. He stressed that India’s interests—especially in agriculture and dairy—have been fully protected.
Addressing concerns around farmer welfare, Chouhan said the United States has significantly reduced tariffs on several Indian agricultural products. These include spices, tea, coffee, coconut and coconut oil, betel nut, cashew, vegetable wax, and fruits such as avocado, banana, guava, mango, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, along with mushrooms and certain grains.
Highlighting export growth, the minister said India’s agricultural exports touched $4.45 billion in 2024–25, with spice exports alone recording an 88 per cent surge. “With this agreement, Indian spices will gain access to a vast new market in the US, further accelerating exports of spices and other farm produce,” he said.
Chouhan reiterated that no compromise had been made on the interests of Indian farmers. “No product that could adversely impact farmers has been included. All sensitive items have been kept completely outside the agreement,” he asserted.
He clarified that no tariff concessions have been granted on key commodities such as soybean, corn, rice, wheat, sugar, coarse grains, poultry, dairy products, bananas, strawberries, cherries, citrus fruits, green peas, chickpeas, mung beans, oilseeds, ethanol and tobacco.
“Our biggest concern was safeguarding major food grains, fruits and dairy—and I can proudly say they are fully protected. No doors have been opened for the US in these critical sectors,” the minister said.
He added that several American agricultural products will not be allowed entry into India, including hulled grains, flour, wheat, corn, rice, millets, potatoes, onions, peas, beans, cucumbers, mushrooms, pulses, frozen vegetables, oranges, grapes, lemons, strawberries and mixed canned vegetables.
On dairy, Chouhan said there would be no access for US products such as liquid milk, milk powder, cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, ghee, butter oil, paneer or cheese.
India will also not import a wide range of spices from the US, including black pepper, cloves, dry green chillies, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, asafoetida, ginger, turmeric, carom seeds, fenugreek, cassia, mustard and mustard seeds.
“The message is clear—our spices, our agriculture and our farmers are completely secure,” Chouhan said, adding that the agreement will create fresh opportunities for Indian farmers, women and youth to grow and prosper.