RSS's farmers body criticises NITI Aayog for its suggestion of lowering tariffs on agriculture imports
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Saturday (June 14, 2025)condemned the NITI Aayog's recommendation under the proposed Indo-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in which the think tank has suggested that India should lower tariffs on the import of agricultural produce such as genetically modified crops (soybean and corn) from the U.S.
In a recent paper, NITI Aayog had also suggested negating tariffs on the poultry and dairy sectors.
Currently, GM food crops are under judicial scrutiny in India and, hence, banned at present.
Terming the recommendations as a risky step for 70 crore Indians dependent on agriculture, the All India General Secretary of BKS, Mohini Mohan Mishra, asked why NITI Aayog was trying to get involved in the tariff battle with America at a time when the Union government is looking at self-reliance in the production of oilseeds.
'.... reducing the import duty of edible oil is a contradictory decision in itself,' said Mr. Mishra.
He added that the NITI Aayog should reconsider their recommendations and prepare to move forward on the basis of the self-reliance policy of the government.
Questioning the report's suggestions in favour of import of GM soy and maize, Mr. Mishra said that it is well-known that in America the crops are used as fodder for livestock.
'If the government's policy supports us in pulses and oilseeds, then the farmers of the country are ready to make India self-reliant. In such a situation, it is not good for India if the think tank bows down to someone's pressure. If the NITI Aayog does not trust the capability of the country, then the government must seriously reflect on the working of the organisation,' added the BKS general secretary.
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