NEW DELHI: In a powerful show of unity, farmer leaders and cultivators from across India gathered here to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they called a “historic and courageous” decision to safeguard Indian agriculture in global trade negotiations. The meeting brought together leaders from over a dozen farmer organisations. Farmer representatives lauded the central government’s resolve to resist foreign pressure, particularly from the United States, regarding access to India’s agriculture and dairy markets.
“Prime Minister Modi has made an unwavering statement in the interest of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen,” said Dharmendra Choudhary, National President of the Indian Farmer Chaudhary Charan Singh Organisation. “This vision brings relief to millions and strengthens rural India's self-reliance.”
Virendra Lohan, representing Chhattisgarh’s Youth Progressive Farmers’ Association, praised the leadership for standing firm against multinational interests: “The courageous decision not to allow American companies into our agriculture and dairy sectors is echoing in every field, village, and cowshed,” he said.
“The Indian farmer is the soul of this nation, and no foreign power can ever control that soul.” Dharmendra Malik, another prominent farmer leader urged the government to stay the course: “We thank the Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister and appeal to stand firm on this policy. We will always stand by you.”
In his address, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government would bring a new law to crack down on fake fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides. He reiterated the PM’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and rural empowerment.
“Grain is life. The farmer is the provider of that life,” Chouhan said. “For me, serving farmers is the highest form of worship.” He also announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, digital insurance payments were disbursed just yesterday to farmers in Rajasthan.
Chouhan further praised PM Modi’s nationalistic resolve, referencing the cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack as another example of decisive leadership. “The Prime Minister has always put the nation first. These bold, nation-centric decisions will be remembered by generations to come.”