US India trade deal, stuck on agri and dairy products

It is a known fact that India and Indian farmers depend on agriculture as a means of livelihood.

- KRISHAN BIR CHAUDHARY

Almost all crops of economic importance are grown in India and rank among the first two positions globally.

So far in India, only cotton has been approved by the genetic engineering appraisal committee (GEAC) after trials over the years. More so as it is a non-edible crop. No other crop has been approved in spite of tremendous pressure from developed countries so that India which is a large market could be a dumping ground for them. Even FSSAI statutory body responsible for food safety and hygiene within India has ensured availability of safe food for human consumption.

Moreover, crops under reference in the trade deal are primarily soyabean and maize, besides apples, dry fruits which are edible crops directly for human consumption. Therefore, there is no question of importing these from USA or any other developed country since they are not approved by Government of India.

In case of dairy, the situation is even worse as we understand that in USA the farm bill subsidy has increased many fold as they are feeding on a non-veg diet and therefore any product thus would not be acceptable at all because of reasons well known.