1 week Ago
Pune: Apprehensive about the impact of US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on the Indian agriculture sector, farmers' unions are planning a nationwide campaign to pressure Central govt to safeguard their interests by not reducing import duty and allowing that country's products in the domestic market. Speaking to TOI, Bharatiya Kisan Union 's national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said US tariffs are the real threat to Indian farmers, but they are surprised that Centre has not yet made its stand clear on the issue. "Therefore, 40-odd farmers' organisations are collectively planning to kick off a nationwide campaign to raise their voice against US tariffs and create pressure on the Indian govt to stand by its farmers.
" While the Trump's decision sent tremors across the world causing stock markets to crash on Monday, its impact on Indian farming sector is being assessed. Farmers, however, fear they will not be able to compete with US firms in Indian market. "The subsidies the farmers in the US get from govt are much higher than their Indian counterparts' mere 3%.
Their govt gives insurance on the price as well as on the yield, and therefore, they are in a much better position to compete. If Central govt reduces import duty on their products, they will hit the domestic market in a big way. For example, if the US apples are available here at a lower price, then apple growers from Shimla and Kashmir will be finished," Tikait said.
The farmers' unions already had a meeting in Delhi last month even before the tariffs were announced. Another meeting will be called soon, said Raju Shetti, farmers' leader and president of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana. Shetti said, "We are shocked that the whole world is reacting, but India is yet to announce its position.
Countries like Canada, China, and even European nations have taken a firm stand. We can clearly see that wheat, cotton and soya bean farmers are in danger if our govt succumbs to pressure and lowers import duty." China was a big market for the US, but as a result of the trade war, the latter is looking at India as the next biggest market, Shetti further said.
"The Trump administration will use all tactics to convince India to lower import duty. So, our unions will come together to force Union govt to take a strong stand against US tariffs.".
