By Faridat Salifu
The European Union’s newly negotiated free trade agreement with India is set to expand market opportunities for the Asian country’s farmers and agribusinesses, while protecting sectors deemed sensitive by both parties.
The deal will open India’s 1.45 billion-consumer market to European exporters of wine, olive oil, processed foods, fruit juices, kiwis, pears, sheep meat, and selected processed meats, creating new revenue streams for smallholders and cooperatives.
Indian exporters will also gain access to EU markets for sheep and goat meat, sweetcorn, grapes, cucumbers, dried onions, and rum, potentially boosting incomes for rural farmers and producers in India.
Sensitive sectors, however, will remain off-limits, with Europe excluding poultry, beef, sugar, milk powder, and soft wheat from tariff reductions or quotas, while India protects poultry, dairy, grains, and certain fruits and vegetables.
European farmers’ organisation Copa Cogeca welcomed the deal, describing it as “balanced,” noting that it combines ambitious trade expansion with safeguards for sectors vulnerable to international competition.
Farmers and cooperatives stand to benefit from reduced import duties and expanded export quotas, particularly in value-added products such as olive oil, wine, pasta, and processed meats.
The agreement is expected to strengthen business partnerships, enhance competitiveness, and encourage investment in sectors with high growth potential.
Pending approval by EU member states, the European Parliament, and Indian authorities, the agreement could take effect within months, providing a clear path for agribusinesses to scale up production for export markets.
Trade experts say the deal offers a blueprint for pursuing ambitious trade policies while maintaining protections for domestic agriculture, helping farmers navigate global market pressures without risking livelihoods.
For European and Indian producers alike, the FTA represents not just expanded market access but an opportunity to modernise production, diversify crops, and develop new products for export-oriented growth.
