Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that farmers’ interests will be fully protected in all trade deals and FTAs.
Photo Credit: PIB
New Delhi, February 13, 2026: Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday delivered a strong rebuttal to those attempting to spread fear over trade agreements, asserting that India’s farmers and agriculture have not been compromised in any Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
He categorically stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers’ interests are completely safe and fully protected.
Addressing the 64th Convocation of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that every trade agreement, whether with the European Union, the United States of America, or other global partners, has been concluded strictly in the national interest, keeping Indian farmers at the centre.
Farmers’ interest paramount in trade agreement, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan:
Chouhan said misinformation is being deliberately spread by some political groups, claiming that agriculture has been sold off through trade deals.
This entire politics of fear is based on lies,” he said, adding that India has not opened its doors for major crops such as wheat, rice, maize, soybean, coarse grains, dairy and poultry products.
He clarified that only those items are included in agreements that India needs to import to meet domestic demand, without affecting the competitiveness or income of farmers.
Indian vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products are fully protected,” he asserted.
In a sharp political remark, Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured farmers that the government stands firmly with them.
Calling IARI the lifeblood of India’s agricultural progress, Shivraj Singh Chouhan recalled that the Green Revolution began at Pusa and that IARI has always provided solutions during national food crises.
He said that Developed India 2047 cannot be achieved without developed agriculture and prosperous farmers.
Agriculture, he noted, is not just an economic activity but the foundation of livelihood, culture and self-reliance for millions.
Youths are future agriculture leaders:
Addressing the graduating students, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that they are not merely degree holders but future agricultural leaders whose innovations will feed generations.
He stressed maintaining at least 5% growth in agriculture through science-based, sustainable and inclusive practices.
Highlighting challenges like climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and nutrition security, he urged students to adopt innovation-driven solutions and purposeful living.
Paying tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, he said that determination and vision can transform crises into opportunities, as demonstrated during the Green Revolution.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that lab to land is not just a slogan but the responsibility of every agricultural scientist.
He underlined the importance of water conservation, micro-irrigation, soil health, natural farming, organic inputs, drones and AI-based smart agriculture.
Low-cost technologies for small and marginal farmers, he said, must be prioritized to increase farmer incomes.
Job creators, not job seekers:
Encouraging entrepreneurship, Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged students to become job creators instead of job seekers, focusing on agri-startups, processing, value addition, and digital agriculture.
He also stressed linking farmers to markets and strengthening India’s position in agricultural exports.
A total of 470 students were awarded degrees at the convocation, including 290 M. Sc./M. Tech. and 180 Ph.D. scholars.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary and Ramnath Thakur, Director General of ICAR M. L. Jat, and IARI Director C.H. Srinivasa Rao, along with scientists and students, were present on the occasion.
Also Read: ICAR-IARI to hold 64th Convocation; Shivraj Singh Chouhan to confer degrees on graduates.
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