What PM Modi said about farmers amidst tariff hike by Trump and escalating trade war with America?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said during a program in Delhi that he puts the interests of farmers at the forefront.
PM Modi said, "The interest of our farmers is the top priority for us. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock farmers and fishermen brothers and sisters."
PM Modi said this while addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Wednesday.
Modi said, "I know, personally I will have to pay a very big price but I am ready for it."
“Welfare of farmers is the nation’s highest priority”, affirmed the Prime Minister declaring that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. He reiterated the government’s continuous efforts to increase farmers’ income, reduce agricultural expenses, and create new sources of revenue.
“The government has always considered the strength of farmers as the foundation of national progress”, affirmed the Prime Minister, stating that the policies formulated in recent years were not merely about assistance, but about instilling confidence among farmers.
America is pressuring India to open the agricultural sector
After the announcement of Trump's tariff, PM Modi has never commented directly on it. Even on Thursday, he did not mention Trump or the tariff.
But it is believed that during the trade talks, America is pressuring India to open the agricultural sector for trade.
America sees India as a big market, but India has been avoiding it citing food security, livelihood and the interest of millions of farmers.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced to impose an additional tariff of 25 percent on India.
Agriculture sector is a big issue
The agriculture sector is a big issue in US President Donald Trump's trade war. India imposes tariffs ranging from zero to 150% on imports to protect its farmers.
According to Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the average tariff imposed on American agricultural products in India is 37.7%, while it is 5.3% on Indian agricultural products in the US.
Prakash Kumar Pandey