Govt to launch FTA awareness drive for farmers: Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said the Government will ensure farmers receive accurate and timely information about the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) India has signed with various countries.

Speaking to reporters after a two-day national conference in the national capital, Chouhan said several international markets are accessible to Indian produce at zero import duty.

However, he said, farmers need to know which products are in demand abroad and what quality standards they must meet to export.

To bridge this gap, the Centre will launch an awareness campaign covering global market opportunities, products covered under the FTAs, export-quality requirements, and the crops, fruits and vegetables that can be cultivated for overseas markets. The Centre will also brief the states on the potential benefits of these agreements for Indian farmers and for specific regions, the minister said.

Since 2014, the Narendra Modi government has signed nine FTAs, including the one between India and New Zealand in April 2026.

Meanwhile, Chouhan said on Tuesday said that there are concerns about the drought situation in Karnataka, Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan.

“The information received so far indicates concerns in Karnataka, Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh-including Rayalaseema and adjoining areas-parts of Telangana, and parts of Rajasthan. Detailed reports from the states are still awaited,” the minister told reporters.

The Agriculture Minister said that he would personally visit the affected states and remain in constant contact with their governments. “The immediate objective is to ensure that agricultural fields do not remain fallow,” Chouhan added.