Claims of Protecting Farmers' Interests in All FTAs

28-Apr-2026 03:37 PM

Srinagar. The Union Agriculture Minister has stated that, under the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded with various nations, every measure has been taken to safeguard the interests of Indian farmers, and the national interest has been accorded the highest priority.

It is noteworthy that, a few days ago, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that the Prime Minister had "sold out" the Indian agricultural sector to the United States.

The Union Agriculture Minister asserted that the current government is working effectively in the best interests of agriculture and farmers. In no bilateral trade agreement signed with any country have the interests of farmers or the agricultural sector been compromised.

The majority of agricultural and food products have been kept outside the purview of these bilateral treaties. Furthermore, a Free Trade Agreement with the United States has not yet been fully implemented.

Addressing concerns regarding potential losses to apple growers under the proposed FTA with New Zealand, the Agriculture Minister stated that any apple imports from that country would take place strictly on India's terms.

He added that he would meet with growers from Jammu and Kashmir to listen to and understand their specific grievances. India's annual apple production stands at approximately 2 million tonnes, while domestic consumption amounts to roughly 2.6 million tonnes.

This results in a shortfall of 600,000 tonnes, necessitating imports to bridge the gap. Efforts are currently underway to boost domestic production with the aim of eliminating the need for such imports.

Jammu and Kashmir also produces saffron and walnuts; growers in the region have urged the government to focus its attention on increasing the production of these crops as well.