Buxar MP flags concern over India-US trade deal

Buxar: RJD MP from Buxar, Sudhakar Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising serious concerns over the proposed interim trade agreement between India and the United States.According to Singh, experts believe the agreement may allow the import of key US farm products into India at very low tariffs.Singh warned that if these products enter India at low or zero duty, farmers in the country may face tough competition. He pointed out that the US agricultural sector benefits from strong govt subsidies and large-scale corporate farming. In contrast, Indian agriculture is largely dependent on small and marginal farmers with limited financial support.States like Bihar, where nearly 70% of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood, could face serious economic challenges. Large-scale imports may reduce the prices of locally produced grains, fruits and dairy products. This may directly affect farmers’ incomes and hurt small traders linked to the rural economy.Singh has urged that any agreement involving US agricultural imports should first be reviewed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.