Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday underlined that the country’s major foodgrains, fruits, dairy products and millets had been protected, and no external market was being opened for them.He was speaking in view of the Opposition’s allegations about opening up Indian agriculture markets following India’s trade deals with the US and the European Union.“The trade deal we have signed with the European Union and the one with the US are truly remarkable examples of diplomacy, development and dignity. While protecting national interests, these agreements will accelerate our country’s progress toward building a developed India,” the minister told a news agency here.Talking about the trade deal, the minister said there was an atmosphere of enthusiasm, happiness and joy in the country, which indicates that this agreement is in India’s interest.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never allowed India to bow down. The Pm has already asserted that no matter the cost, there would be no compromise on farmers’ interests. In every situation, he has ensured that the interests of farmers are fully protected,” said Chouhan.The Agriculture Minister further asserted that the country’s major foodgrains, fruits, dairy products and millets were protected, and that “no market was being opened for them”.The Congress-led Opposition, however, is up in arms against the proposed deal. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge has claimed that the deal would “destroy” the farmers and accused the Centre of undermining the country’s agriculture sector.Questioning the government’s attitude towards democratic institutions, he said the Centre did not inform Parliament about the fact that the deal was signed, and the MPs learnt of it only through a statement from US President Donald Trump.Quoting US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kharge said American farmers would benefit from the deal. “Are you working for the welfare of farmers or against them?” he asked the Centre.Reacting to the allegations, Chouhan said, “I have won 12 elections as of now. I have been in both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. Till now, I haven’t seen such a sad and frustrated Opposition. He (Rahul Gandhi) called a minister a ‘traitor’. What kind of mindset is this?”The senior BJP leader further claimed that farmers would greatly benefit due to trade deals made with various countries and the European Union.Detailing government initiatives for farmers, Chouhan said that tariffs had been reduced to boost rice, spice and textile exports. Besides, cotton farmers also stand to gain. He emphasised that the interests of small and large farmers alike have been fully protected, and that the agreement would create fresh opportunities for Indian agriculture.Responding to the apprehension that over half of India’s population depends on agriculture and that small farmers may be affected, the Minister assured the House that no sudden or disruptive entry of foreign products will take place in the Indian market.Talking about the confusion triggered by a recent tweet from the US Treasury Secretary about increased access for American farm products, reiterating the government’s stance, Chouhan said India had not opened its markets in any way that puts pressure on domestic farmers, and that protections for key agricultural commodities remained intact.Highlighting the export potential unlocked by the agreement, Chouhan noted that India already exports rice to many countries, including the United States, and recently recorded exports worth around Rs 63,000 crore. He stated that reduced tariffs would directly benefit India’s rice, spices and textile exports, and the growth in textile exports would help millions of cotton-growing farmers.