India, Aug. 11 -- The US Government's decision to raise the combined tariffs on India to 50 percent is a direct threat to our rural economy and its goal of self-reliance. This move is particularly damaging as it impacts a vast and sensitive socio-economic structure that includes small and marginal farmers, women's self-help groups, and traditional production chains.

With 86 per cent of India's farmers owning less than two hectares of land and over 80 million rural families involved in the dairy sector (many of whom are women and landless), their livelihoods are highly dependent on government support mechanisms like the Minimum Support Price (MSP), subsidies, and customs duties.

In response, Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi's call for ...