India Prioritizes Small Farmers: No FTA Duty Concessions for Dairy

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the sensitivity of India's dairy sector, stating no duty concessions will be offered in Free Trade Agreements (FTA) due to the sector's crucial role for small farmers. This policy has been maintained even in recent pacts with Switzerland and Norway. Talks with Australia also emphasized these sensitivities.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday stressed that India's dairy sector remains off-limits for duty concessions under Free Trade Agreements (FTA) given its importance to small farmers' livelihoods. Goyal was firm on this stance even in recent agreements with Switzerland and Norway.

Discussing the issue with Australia, Goyal highlighted the stark differences between Australian large-scale dairy farms and India's smallholdings, mentioning that India could not open up the sector to Australian exports without harming local farmers.

During his visit to Australia for bilateral trade talks, Goyal confirmed that India's dairy sector will remain protected, with certain customs duties in place to safeguard small farmers. This policy underscores India's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its agrarian communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)