NITI Aayog Dual-Track Plan for India-US Farm Trade
Why in the news
With India and the US in advanced trade talks, and US reciprocal tariffs unsettling global trade, NITI Aayog suggested how to handle agriculture.
Key facts
- Selective cuts: lower high tariffs on non-sensitive US imports; offer concessions on items like edible oils and nuts.
- Safeguards: stable prices for producers and consumers; non-tariff barriers for vulnerable sectors such as poultry.
- Edible oil: US has surplus GM soybean; soybean oil imports could meet demand without hurting farmers.
- Export push: shrimp, fish, spices, rice, tea, coffee, rubber, using duty waivers or tariff rate quotas (TRQs).
- Diversify beyond basmati rice and frozen shrimp into processed cereals and value-added goods.
- US sends mostly almonds, pistachios and walnuts.
Medium-term reforms
- New technology, market reforms, private participation.
- Better logistics and competitive value chains.
Exam angle
- Strategy by NITI Aayog; term: TRQ.