by Team Agrisnip | May 28, 2025 | Agri News, Global Agri
New Delhi, June 9, 2025
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today affirmed India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of its farmers amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. Speaking on the sensitive issue of agricultural market access, Minister Chouhan stated unequivocally that any potential bilateral trade agreement would be finalized only after a meticulous assessment of its gains and losses, with farmer protection as the paramount consideration.
The Minister’s remarks come as negotiators from both nations work towards establishing the framework for the first phase of a bilateral deal, anticipated to be signed by September-October 2025. The United States has been actively pushing for greater market access for its agricultural and horticultural products, including key commodities like corn, soybeans, and animal feed. However, these efforts face significant hurdles due to India’s comparatively high agricultural tariffs, which can range from 39% to 50% on average.
Minister Chouhan underscored that while discussions with the US are ongoing, the fundamental principle guiding India’s stance remains clear: “One thing is clear, we will protect the interest of our farmers. When we talk about two nations, we need to see the overall trade.” This pragmatic approach acknowledges the broader economic relationship while prioritizing the livelihoods of India’s vast rural populace.
According to a report from NITI Aayog, “Promoting India-US Agricultural Trade under the new US Trade Regime,” the agricultural trade balance currently favors India. In the triennium ending 2024, US agricultural and allied product exports to India stood at approximately $2.22 billion, while India’s agricultural exports to the US were significantly higher, at $5.75 billion. India’s main agricultural exports to the US include valuable commodities such as frozen shrimp, basmati rice, spices, and processed cereals.
India’s cautious approach to fully opening its agriculture and dairy markets stems from legitimate concerns about potential backlash from rural communities and the imperative to shield domestic producers from the volatility of global prices. The government aims to strike a balance that fosters international trade while ensuring the stability and prosperity of its agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of its economy and a crucial source of employment.
by Team Agrisnip | May 28, 2025 | Agri News, Global Agri, Import / Export
New Delhi, June 9, 2025
India is poised for a significant expansion in its global agricultural trade footprint, as highlighted by Abhishek Dev, Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Speaking at the inauguration of Indusfood 2025 in Greater Noida, Dev pointed out that despite being the world’s seventh-largest agri exporter, India currently accounts for a mere 2.4% of the colossal $2 trillion global agriculture trade. He emphatically stated that this modest share represents a “huge opportunity” for Indian exporters to dramatically scale up their operations and presence on the international stage.
India’s agri exports were valued at approximately $50 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year, and concerted efforts are underway to further elevate this figure in the current fiscal year. Dev emphasized the nation’s strategic pivot towards exporting more value-added products, moving beyond simply trading raw agricultural commodities. This shift aims to capture a larger share of the global market by offering processed and diversified food products. A particular focus is on the organic sector, where India currently holds around 2.5% of the $147 billion global organic market. APEDA has set an ambitious target to quadruple this share over the next five years, building on the steady growth witnessed in organic exports—from $213 million in 2012-13 to nearly $495 million in 2023-24.
Indusfood 2025, a flagship event organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with vital support from the Department of Commerce, was inaugurated by Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan. The prestigious event has drawn an impressive congregation of over 2,300 exhibitors from 30 countries, alongside 7,500 international buyers and 15,000 domestic buyers and trade visitors, creating a vibrant platform for global food and beverage commerce.
Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI, elaborated on the multifaceted goals of Indusfood, stating that it extends beyond merely boosting trade. The event also aims to forge crucial connections between farmers and technology providers, thereby enhancing income opportunities through value addition and direct access to global markets. Singla noted the remarkable growth in international participation, with the exhibitor pavilion nearly doubling in size since last year, boasting strong representation from approximately 30 countries, underscoring the increasing global interest in India’s agricultural and processed food sector.
