India Will Not Compromise on Farmers’ Interests, Says PM Modi
By Amit Kumar
Amid ongoing concerns over the proposed India–U.S. free trade agreement (FTA), Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Thursday firmly declared that India would not compromise on the interests of its
farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector. Speaking at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International
Conference held in New Delhi, he reaffirmed that farmers’ welfare remains the highest priority for
his government.
The Prime Minister’s remarks are seen as a strong response to apprehensions voiced by agricultural
stakeholders, particularly with regard to the United States’ reported demands for greater access to
Indian agricultural markets.
“For us, the welfare of our farmers is of the highest priority. Bharat will never compromise on the
interests of its farmers, dairy farmers, and fishermen. And I am fully aware that I may have to pay a
very heavy price personally, but I am prepared for it. For the farmers of my country, for the
fishermen of my country, for the dairy farmers of my country, Bharat stands ready today,” Mr. Modi
said in his address.
The statement comes as negotiations continue between New Delhi and Washington. Farmer groups
such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) have demanded that the Centre table full details of the
FTA discussions in Parliament and ensure that no agreement is signed without legislative oversight.
Highlighting India’s achievements in agriculture, the Prime Minister said that the nation has made
remarkable progress in food production and agri-based exports. “Today, Bharat ranks first in the production of milk, pulses, and jute. Bharat is second in the production of rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables. Bharat is also the world’s second-largest producer of fish. Last year, Bharat recorded its highest-ever food grain production. We are also setting new records in oilseeds. The production of soybean, mustard, and groundnut has risen to record levels,” he said. Mr. Modi added that the government continues to work towards enhancing farmers’ income, reducing input costs, and developing new avenues for earnings. During the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Modi also presented the first M.S. Swaminathan Annual Award for Food and Peace to Nigerian scientist Prof. Ademola A. Adenle, recognizing his extensive work in sustainable agricultural innovation.
“If there is a crisis of food, then there is a crisis of life. And when the lives of lakhs are at risk, global
unrest naturally follows. This is why the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace is of utmost
importance,” the Prime Minister said, lauding Prof. Adenle as a talented and visionary scientist