Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday strongly countered allegations that India’s latest trade arrangements with the United States and the European Union would negatively impact the farming community.
Addressing an event in Gandhinagar after launching the nation’s first Central Bank Digital Currency-based Public Distribution System, he said the government had fully safeguarded agriculture, dairy and fisheries in all agreements.
HM Shah criticised the Congress party and said, “It is laughable when Rahul Gandhi stands in Parliament and speaks about protecting farmers. The Congress has a long history of misleading the country and is now spreading lies about trade deals.”
He remarked that it was ironic for Rahul Gandhi to speak about safeguarding farmers, adding that Congress had a record of misleading the public and was now circulating incorrect claims about international agreements.
According to HM Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had firmly defended the interests of farmers, livestock rearers and those engaged in fisheries during trade negotiations.
He emphasised, “In every agreement signed with the European Union, and America, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured complete protection of your interests.”
Increased Support for Agriculture
Highlighting policy measures, HM Shah pointed out that the Union agriculture budget had expanded significantly — from Rs 26,000 crore during the previous Congress-led government to Rs 1,29,000 crore under the current administration.
He further stated that procurement of crops at the Minimum Support Price had grown fifteen times over the past decade compared with the earlier regime.
Referring to direct income support initiatives, HM Shah said, “For 70 years, Congress spoke about loan waivers but did nothing. Today, Rs 6,000 is being transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts so they do not have to take loans,”
Addressing concerns about the dairy industry, HM Shah asserted that trade agreements had strengthened domestic production rather than undermined it.
He reiterated that the government had incorporated complete safeguards to ensure the stability of the dairy sector.
HM Shah also invited Rahul Gandhi to engage in a public debate on the issue and said he was ready to participate on any platform.
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