Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday asserted that Indian farmers’ interests remain fully protected under the interim framework of the US-India trade agreement. Speaking during an interaction with farmers in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said the government has ensured safeguards for all major crops and dairy products. He added that the agreement would expand export opportunities for Indian farm produce in the US market, particularly basmati rice and spices. “There is going to be a lot of benefit for farmers,” he said, stressing that the deal balances protection with new market access. India and the US have announced the interim framework as a step towards a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement.