Beed, February 14 The trade deal between India and the United States will benefit farmers, as it will open up a vast new market in that nation, but some individuals and parties are spreading misinformation about it, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that no agreement will be signed that has a negative impact on Indian farmers, Fadnavis asserted while speaking at the Maha Pasudhan Expo organized by the state animal husbandry department in Parli.
"A new American market has been made available to us after the trade pact. However, some individuals and parties are spreading misinformation. No one can import cheap products and affect our market and products. We will not open any sector for America or Europe that will adversely impact our farmers or the dairy and agricultural sectors," Fadnavis asserted.
He claimed that the prices of soybeans fell due to such "rumors" and misinformation.
"Soybeans were getting a good price. But some people spread rumors, and it fell by Rs 500 (per quintal). I assure farmers that no soybeans or cotton will come from outside. We must show people spreading such rumors their place," the CM said.
The chief minister said that the move to cultivate cotton and soybeans resulted in farms getting smaller, creating fodder issues, resulting in a decrease in the number of cattle.
He pointed out that cattle play an important role in organic farming, and they also decrease investment and increase income.
He said that efforts are being made to produce items from cow urine and dung on a large scale, including paint, medicines, etc., adding that excessive use of fertilizers is making the land barren.
Fadnavis said that farmers have begun to understand the importance of native cow breeds. He said that the state government will undertake a program to encourage fodder production so that farmers can get it at cheaper rates.
He also said that the state government was working to boost poultry, cattle rearing, and fish farming.
The plan is to ensure that the animal husbandry sector grows by 25 per cent instead of the current 4-8 per cent with the help of government schemes, Fadnavis said.
"The animal husbandry industry contributes 2.8 per cent to the state's GDP. Maharashtra ranks fifth in milk production, seventh in eggs, and third in meat production. To increase output, the state is focusing on milk and egg production. If the industry receives support and subsidies, it will be very beneficial," Minister Pankaja Munde said.
