Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday reaffirmed that India will not compromise on farmers’ interests despite tariff pressures from the United States, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to safeguard the agricultural sector.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi’s Subrahmanyam Hall, Chouhan said India’s population is its strength and vowed to find new markets for farm produce. He indirectly referred to Washington’s recent 50% tariffs and trade demands for greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors, highlighting stark differences in landholding sizes, production costs, and farming practices between the two countries.
Chouhan argued that US farmers operate vast holdings of 10,000–15,000 hectares with lower costs due to genetically modified (GM) seeds, while Indian farmers often work on just one to three acres, sometimes even less. “If their produce entered freely, crop prices here would fall further. Where would our farmers go? Therefore, no matter what happens, there will be no compromise with farmers’ interests,” he said.
He recalled PM Modi’s statement that even personal losses would not lead to compromising farmers’ welfare. “Farmer brothers, be assured. If there is difficulty, we will face it. We will find new markets. India itself, with 144 crore people, is a huge market—far bigger than Europe’s 50 crore or America’s 30 crore,” he added.
Chouhan also announced that the Indus Waters Treaty would be put in abeyance following Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s nuclear threats and ongoing cross-border terrorism. “Blood and water cannot flow together,” he said, stressing that India’s rivers and water will be used for domestic agriculture, calling the original treaty “unjust.”
He further revealed plans for a new law to crack down on fake fertilisers and chemicals, and highlighted ongoing welfare initiatives such as digital payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Praising Modi’s “Nation First” approach, Chouhan said the Prime Minister has consistently taken bold, nation-centric decisions for which the country will remain indebted.
