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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the trade deal between India and the United States would benefit farmers by opening up a vast new market, and asserted that misinformation was being spread by some people and political parties.

Addressing the Maha Pasudhan Expo organised by the state animal husbandry department in Parli, Fadnavis said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear that no agreement would ever be signed if it adversely affected Indian farmers.

“A new American market has been made available for us after the trade pact. However, some people and parties are spreading misinformation. No one can bring in cheap products and harm our markets. We will not open any sector for America or Europe that would negatively impact our farmers, dairy or agriculture,” he said.

Fadnavis claimed that rumours surrounding the trade deal had already affected crop prices. “Soybean was getting a good rate, but after misinformation was spread, prices fell by ₹500 per quintal. I assure farmers that no soybean or cotton will come from outside. Those spreading such rumours must be shown their place,” he said.

The chief minister noted that excessive cultivation of cotton and soybean had led to shrinking farm sizes and fodder shortages, contributing to a decline in cattle numbers. Highlighting the role of cattle in organic farming, he said they help reduce investment costs while increasing farm income.

Fadnavis said the government was promoting large-scale production of value-added products from cow urine and dung, including paints and medicines, while cautioning that excessive fertiliser use was rendering farmland barren. He added that farmers were increasingly recognising the importance of native cow breeds.

The state government, he said, would launch programmes to boost fodder production so farmers could access it at affordable rates. Efforts were also underway to strengthen poultry, cattle rearing and fish farming.

“Our aim is to grow the animal husbandry sector by 25 per cent instead of the current 4–8 per cent, with the support of government schemes,” Fadnavis said.

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Speaking at the event, state minister Pankaja Munde said animal husbandry contributes 2.8 per cent to Maharashtra’s GDP. “The state ranks fifth in milk production, seventh in eggs and third in meat production. With adequate support and subsidies, this sector can achieve remarkable growth,” she added.