Farmers Fully Protected in India-US Trade Deal

February 21, 2026

Question: Being Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, how do you see the India-US trade deal and what impact will it have on our agriculture sector?

Shivraj Singh Chouhan: I want to sincerely thank Prime Minister Modi from the bottom of my heart. Our Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also made it very clear that this trade deal is a remarkable example of diplomacy, development, and dignity.

While safeguarding India’s interests, full attention has been given to farmers. As the Agriculture Minister, I say with complete responsibility that the interests of Indian farmers are fully protected in this trade deal. Complete care has been taken of our growers.

No market has been opened up for our major food grains, our key fruits, or our millets. Our farmers are completely protected.

On the contrary, a reduction in tariffs will benefit our farmers, especially considering how much rice we export. Last year, we exported rice worth Rs 63,000 crore. This export will increase further. Exports of rice, spices, and textiles will all see growth.

The textile sector, in particular, is playing a very significant role in our export landscape. And when textile exports increase, cotton growers will also benefit. Overall, this trade deal is in the interest of India and in the interest of Indian farmers, and their interests are fully protected.

Question: The Opposition is claiming that the agriculture sector has been sold off under this trade deal, what do you want to say on this?

Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Congress is a shop of lies, a factory of confusion, and a marketplace of rumours. They are trying to create chaos by spreading falsehoods.

They have never won on the ground, and the frustration and despair from their continuous defeats are now manifesting as the Congress’ bitterness. They cannot see the bund of the fields; all they see are the steps to power.

They are behaving in an undignified manner and have torn apart democratic norms. They have turned Parliament into a street crossing.

And it pains me deeply to say this. I have won elections 12 times. I have been a member of the Legislative Assembly and I am now in the Lok Sabha.

Question: Before this trade deal was finalised, the Prime Minister had said that this deal would cause him personal political loss. Your comments on this?

Shivraj Singh Chouhan: I bow to the Prime Minister for this, even as a citizen. He had said that he would not allow the country to bow down, and he has never let the nation bow.

He had also said that the interests of farmers would be fully protected, even if it caused him personal loss. He has not only completely safeguarded the interests of farmers, but the recent trade deals — including those with different countries and the

European Union — will greatly benefit farmers as well.

Question: After this deal, US products will enter the country. What is the truth behind this?
Shivraj Singh Chouhan: I have already said this, and I am saying it again — the interests of India’s farmers are fully protected.