Farmer bodies flag concerns over tariff relief plan for US

AS THE FIRST tranche of the India-US trade deal is likely by July 9, several "sensitive" agricultural sectors have raised concerns over the potential adverse impact of the deal on small farmers if the country agrees to cut duties on agri products, as demanded by the US.

- SANDIP DAS

While the US is asking for duty cuts by India for soyabean, corn, apple and dairy products, India traditionally has resisted giving market access in these areas to protect the interest of small and marginal farmers.

In addition, the US is also seeking access for its genetically modified (GM) products, even though India has not yet allowed their imports. New Delhi hasn't granted approval for the commercial cultivation of any GM crops since the nod to the commercial cultivation of BT cotton in 2002. Commercial cultivation of GM food crops continue to be banned in India.

However, in 2021, India had allowed the import of 1.2 million tonnes (MT) of GM soyameal for chicken feed on an exceptional basis due to high domestic feed prices.