Indian farmers urge exclusion of agriculture from US trade deal
Indian farmer groups are urging the government to keep agriculture out of the upcoming India-US trade deal.
They're worried that letting in cheap, subsidized US farm products could hurt local farmers and put food security at risk.
The Indian Coordination Committee of Farmers Movements (ICCFM) has asked Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to take their concerns seriously during negotiations.
US farms get $1.5 trillion in subsidies under 2024 Farm Bill
The ICCFM points out that US farms get a massive $1.5 trillion boost from subsidies under the 2024 Farm Bill, making it tough for Indian farmers to compete.
They're also uneasy about genetically modified crops like transgenic corn and soy entering India.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union echoed these worries, saying opening up could threaten self-reliance and push small farmers aside in favor of big corporations.
Both groups want stronger protections for Indian agriculture in any trade talks.