Devendra Fadnavis said the India–US trade deal will create new market opportunities without harming farmers, dismissing rumours about cheap imports affecting soybean and cotton prices. He also stressed plans to boost animal husbandry and dairy growth in Maharashtra
-1771065642895_d.png "Devendra Fadnavis says India–US trade deal will benefit farmers, dismisses misinformation")
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the trade agreement between India and the United States will benefit Indian farmers by opening up a large new market in America.
Speaking at the Maha Pasudhan Expo organised by the state animal husbandry department in Parli, Fadnavis dismissed claims that the deal would harm Indian agriculture. He said that a new American market has been made available for our country as a result of the trade deal but some people and parties are spreading misinformation.
He assured farmers that no agreement would be signed if it negatively affected their interests. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand, he said no pact would ever harm India’s farmers, dairy, or agriculture sectors. “We will not open any sector for America or Europe that will adversely impact our farmers or dairy and agriculture,” Fadnavis asserted as per PTI reports.
Rumours behind soybean price fall
The Chief Minister claimed that misinformation had already affected market prices. According to him, soybean prices dropped by Rs 500 per quintal due to rumours. “Soybean was getting a good rate. But some people spread rumours, and it fell by Rs 500 per quintal,” he said as per PTI reports.
Fadnavis assured farmers that there would be no imports of soybean or cotton that could damage domestic markets. “I assure farmers that no soybean or cotton will come from outside,” he added.
Concerns over farming patterns and cattle decline
Fadnavis also spoke about changes in farming patterns. He said that increased cultivation of cotton and soybean has resulted in smaller farm holdings. This has created fodder shortages and led to a decline in cattle numbers.
He stressed that cattle play a key role in organic farming. According to him, cattle help reduce investment costs and increase farmers’ income. The Chief Minister also highlighted efforts to promote products made from cow urine and dung, including paint and medicines. He warned that excessive use of chemical fertilisers is making agricultural land barren.
He noted that farmers are increasingly recognising the importance of native cow breeds.
Government plans to boost animal husbandry
The state government plans to promote fodder production so that farmers can access it at lower prices. Fadnavis said Maharashtra is also working to boost poultry farming, cattle rearing, and fish farming.
The aim is to increase the growth rate of the animal husbandry sector from the current 4–8 per cent to 25 per cent with the help of government schemes.
At present, the animal husbandry sector contributes 2.8 per cent to Maharashtra’s GDP. Minister Pankaja Munde said Maharashtra currently ranks: fifth in milk production, seventh in egg production and third in meat production
To improve output, the state is focusing especially on increasing milk and egg production. “If the industry gets support and subsidies, it will do wonders,” she said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that while new international markets are opening up, the state government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and strengthening the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors.
(With PTI Inputs)
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