Agriculture sector welcomes interim trade agreement between India & US

New Delhi, Feb 13, 2026 : The agriculture sector has welcomed the Interim Trade Agreement between India and the United States.

Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Managing Director of National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), Dr Arun Raste, said that agricultural items like wheat, rice, dairy, and poultry have been excluded from the agreement to protect the interests of small farmers.

He highlighted the major advantage of an 18 per cent duty on total exports, which will benefit Indian exporters. Dr Raste further said that the combined effect of these provisions makes the agreement significant for exporters, small industries and farmers.