The ongoing tariff war by the United States to pressurise Bharat for an unfair trade deal is not only irrational but also a direct attack on the country’s rural agricultural economy and self-reliance. In this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Swadeshi" (indigenous products) and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant Bharat) is no longer just an emotional appeal but a strategic response.

Bharat’s rural economy is not limited to just farms and the dairy sector. It is a socio-economic structure that includes small farmers, women’s self-help groups, cooperative societies, and traditional production chains. About 86 per cent of Bhartiya farmers are small and marginal, with land holdings of less than two hectares. Over 8 crore rural families in the country are associated with the dairy sector, most of whom are women and landless farmers.

This entire group is highly vulnerable and relies heavily on government support for their livelihood. The entire structure involving such a vast population depends on Minimum Support Price (MSP), subsidies, and customs duties.

Prime Minister Modi has expressed his commitment to protect the interests of agriculture and dairy, which are the backbone of the rural economy. Safeguarding the tariff structure, strengthening local price structures, and empowering farmer producer organisations, cold storage facilities, and processing units are among the government’s top priorities.

The government is fully committed to empowering women economically, ensuring nutritional security, preserving traditional agricultural diversity, and safeguarding rural life and livelihoods in every possible way.

In light of these concerns, the Prime Minister, during his visit to Kashi, raised the slogan of Swadeshi (indigenous) to the people of the country. Referring to........

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