Agri, related ministries warn against duty relaxation to US

• Duty cuts on shrimp, apples from US likely

- SANDIP DAS

EVEN AS THE final phase of talks for an interim trade deal with the US is underway in Washington, official sources here said that the Union ministries of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries have said that they have taken "firm positions" against offering any import duty cuts to the US for key farm products.

Under the proposed trade deal, the US had demanded tariff cuts for maize, soyabean, skimmed milk powder (SMP) and poultry products.

Currently, import of maize is subject to 61% duty, while SMP attracts 68% levy. Lowering the duties on these items would hit the small and marginal farmers, the respective administrative ministries have conveyed to the Indian negotiators.