I recently paid attention to a quite interesting move from India. Prime Minister Modi is considering leveraging a new trade agreement with the U.S. to push forward agricultural reforms — a sector that the country has delayed for too long.

The good thing here is that Modi sees the opportunity. This trade agreement could become a catalyst for structural changes in Indian agriculture. Currently, the sector still faces many issues from outdated policies and old practices that hinder growth. If reforms succeed, they will help modernize the entire industry, increase productivity, and more importantly, improve livelihoods for millions of farmers.

But here’s the key point — this reform will directly impact the majority of the population engaged in the economy, excluding those in large cities. Farmers make up the majority of the rural workforce, and they will need to adapt to these new changes. The segment of the economic-active population not involved in modern industries will feel the direct impact of this policy.

Strategically, the U.S. agreement gives Modi enough political justification to implement these reforms. It could also help India strengthen its position in the global agricultural market and expand exports. However, not everyone is happy. Many stakeholders are warning that careful planning and step-by-step implementation are necessary to ensure benefits for all, especially farmers.

The challenge here is that Modi must balance political pressure, societal desires, and economic realities. The economically active population not involved in influential sectors is large, but farmers have a strong voice in Indian politics. This reform will be a real test of the government’s leadership capacity.

The ultimate goal remains clear — to build a sustainable and competitive agriculture sector that can feed India’s growing population and contribute to economic growth. But the road to get there is long and complex.