New Delhi [India], August 7 : Union Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary on Thursday said that the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the farmers in the country was "incomparable".
"Whether it's about Kisan Samman Nidhi, increasing MSP, passing the Krishi budget, or promoting generic and organic farming, everything is being done. PM Modi has a dream that farmers' income should be doubled. In the last 11 years, whatever work PM Modi has done for farmers is incomparable," Choudhary told reporters.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, He said that the efforts by the Prime Minister for farmers and other countrymen ever since he came to power in 2014 should have been made right after India's independence.
"Since 2014, what PM Modi has done for farmers and countrymen should have been done right after we attained freedom, so farmers might become more prosperous today. Today, those who are shedding crocodile tears for farmers never think about farmers, despite being in government multiple times," MoS Choudhary said.
Earlier today, in a strong message against the tariffs imposed by the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that farmers remain India's top priority and that the country would never compromise their interests.
"For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it," PM Modi said while addressing the
His remarks come amid chaos over the Trump administration doubling the tariff imposition to 50 per cent on goods from India. During trade negotiations, the United States was pushing for greater access to India's agricultural market, especially corn, soybeans, and cotton.
However, India has so far resisted opening the agricultural sector and dairy products, due to concerns about domestic livelihoods and potential impacts on farmers.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India.
According to the order issued by the White House, Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India's imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States. After the order, the total tariff on Indian goods will be 50 per cent. While the initial duty becomes effective on August 7, the additional levy will come into effect after 21 days and will be imposed on all Indian goods imported into the US, except for goods already in transit or those meeting specific exemptions.
The Executive Order also allows for modifications based on changing circumstances, including potential retaliation by other countries or steps taken by Russia or India to address the national emergency.