New Delhi, 27 January (H.S.): Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reacted to the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement, stating it transcends mere commercial pact—symbolizing India's rising global leadership and economic prowess.

On Tuesday, addressing journalists, Shivraj declared the India-EU Free Trade Agreement a historic milestone elevating bilateral partnership to unprecedented heights. Key Indian agricultural exports—tea, coffee, spices, table grapes, cucumbers, dried onions, sweet corn, select fruits-vegetables, and processed foods—stand to gain substantially.

Respecting mutual sensitivities in critical sectors, the deal balances export growth with domestic priorities, ensuring benefits for farmers on both sides.He emphasized India advances not in isolation but carries the world forward. This agreement unlocks new opportunities for Indian farmers, agricultural produce, and rural economy. India's agricultural might shines globally—leading rice production worldwide, with growth rates surpassing even the Green Revolution era.

Chouhan affirmed the India-EU pact establishes new paradigms in agriculture, food processing, exports, and investments. It grants superior European market access to Indian produce, fair prices to farmers, and fresh rural employment prospects. This embodies a robust, far-reaching step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.He stressed farmers' interests reign supreme. Substandard pesticides and fake seeds cripple them—such tolerance ends now.

Accordingly, government introduces stringent Pesticide Act and new Seed Act, ensuring quality inputs and secure futures. Achieving Viksit Bharat demands employment-rich, poverty-free, self-reliant villages. Under this resolve, 'Viksit Bharat-G-Ram-G Act' rolls out nationwide, transforming villages into fully developed grams while anchoring rural India firmly in development's mainstream.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar