What happened
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on 29 September 2026 that farmers will be given accurate information on benefits of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and export opportunities under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’. He noted that many global markets are open with zero per cent import duty for products such as millets, fruits, vegetables and grains, and that production and export-quality standards will be promoted so farmers can use new markets.
The remarks address concerns that FTAs could hurt domestic farmers if awareness and quality support are missing.
Background
India has been expanding FTAs to diversify farm exports and raise farmer incomes. Awareness campaigns matter because smallholders often lack information on sanitary and phytosanitary standards and paperwork for market access. Linking FTAs with a named campaign helps exam aspirants remember both the trade tool and the domestic outreach brand.
Why it matters for exams
- FTAs and agri-exports are economy + agriculture current affairs
- Scheme/campaign names are one-liner favourites
- Zero-duty market access links trade policy with farmer income
Key facts for exams
- Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Campaign: Khet Bachao Abhiyan – FTA & export awareness
- Focus products: Millets, fruits, vegetables, grains
- Message: Many markets open at 0% import duty; promote export-quality standards
- Tool: Free Trade Agreements
Practice MCQs
Q1. Under which campaign did Chouhan link FTA awareness for farmers?
- Atmanirbhar Krishi
- Khet Bachao Abhiyan
- PM-KISAN
- Operation Greens
Answer: B. Khet Bachao Abhiyan.
Q2. FTAs primarily aim to:
- Raise MSP only
- Reduce/eliminate trade barriers between partners
- Ban farm exports
- Fix fertiliser prices
Answer: B. Reduce or eliminate trade barriers.
Q3. Which crop group was explicitly cited for export-quality promotion?
- Only tea
- Millets, fruits, vegetables and grains
- Only spices
- Only cotton
Answer: B. Millets, fruits, vegetables and grains.
Source: ANI / Apna MA TV report of Chouhan’s 29 Sep 2026 remarks.