Congress Leader Challenges Centre's Indo-US Trade Deal Assurances
Congress state chief Jitu Patwari on Sunday raised serious concerns about the transparency of the Centre's assurances regarding the Indo-US trade deal, emphasizing that farmers would remain uninformed unless the government publicly discloses critical details.
Demand for Full Disclosure
Patwari insisted that the government must make public the product-wise tariff components, non-tariff conditions, and a comprehensive impact assessment report. He argued that without this information, farmers cannot fully understand the potential consequences of the agreement on their livelihoods.
Speaking after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's press briefing on the trade agreement, Patwari stated that verbal assurances are insufficient. He demanded a written guarantee from the Union government, asserting that only documented commitments can provide real security for the agricultural sector.
Comparison of Farmer Support Systems
Patwari highlighted a stark contrast in support for farmers between the two nations. He pointed out that the US offers substantial subsidies to its farming sector, whereas in India, direct financial assistance to farmers amounts to approximately Rs 14,000 per farmer annually.
"In December 2025, the US administration provided billions in assistance to its farmers, demonstrating the robust support system available to them during crises," Patwari noted. This comparison underscores his concern that Indian farmers may be at a disadvantage without similar protections.
Specific Concerns on Imports
Patwari addressed specific potential issues with the trade deal, questioning Chouhan's claim that there would be no import of maize. He warned that if maize-based processed food is imported under the guise of poultry feed or animal feed, it could negatively impact Indian maize-producing farmers.
He called for written assurances on several key points:
- Soybean oil imports will not harm farmers
- Poultry feed imports will not affect maize-producing farmers
- The Minimum Support Price (MSP) system will continue without disruption
Patwari's demands reflect a broader call for accountability and transparency in trade negotiations, ensuring that farmer interests are safeguarded through concrete, documented guarantees rather than mere verbal promises.
