Punjab Assembly Speaker says India-US trade deal threat to farmers

Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday strongly criticised the proposed India-US trade agreement, terming it "anti-national" and alleging that it poses a serious threat to Punjab's farming community and India's agricultural

sector.

Speaking to reporters in Amritsar after attending a private event, Sandhwan accused the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of attempting to "undermine Indian agriculture" through the trade pact. He claimed that the agreement would allow cheaper American agricultural products - including milk powder, cheese, grains and other farm commodities - to flood Indian markets, leaving Punjab farmers struggling to compete.

"The farmers of Punjab have for decades played a vital role in strengthening the nation's food reserves through wheat and paddy production. Despite this contribution, policies are being framed that could weaken their economic security," he said.

Sandhwan further alleged that the BJP-led Central Government had "compromised national interests" in negotiations. According to him, the agreement would primarily benefit the American economy by boosting exports and prices in the US market, while placing Indian farmers at a disadvantage.

Issuing a warning, he said the people of Punjab would not tolerate any move perceived as harming the dignity or future of the country's "annadata" (food providers). He added that efforts would be made to take the issue to every village and household in the state.

Reiterating opposition to the pact, Sandhwan said Punjab stands united against what he described as a farmer-unfriendly agreement and vowed to resist any policy that could adversely impact the agricultural backbone of the state.