India, April 15 -- When soybean prices fall in the US, the government immediately compensates the price fall. In India, soybean prices have trailed the minimum support price (MSP) for 18 months, but there is no relief in sight. Indian farmers not only have to fend for themselves but are also expected to keep growing the crop despite the distress. So, if the US wants the Indian soybean market to open up, how fair is that?

The US policy support for its farmers spans the entire agricultural value chain. In contrast, India's is fragmented and often ends up disadvantaging farmers. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s 2024 report shows that while US farmers earned about 1% above global prices and received substan...