Farmer outfits meet Rahul, express concern over Indo-US trade deal

Bathinda: A delegation comprising representatives of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) – farmer forum – from various states met Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, on Friday and expressed concern over the proposed India-US trade deal.The delegation was led by Amarjeet Singh Mohri, president of the BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh).Farmer leaders, accompanied by Bholath MLA and All India Kisan Congress chairman Sukhpal Singh Khaira, held detailed discussions on the potential impact of the proposed trade deal between India and the United States on the agriculture and dairy sectors.The delegation expressed concern that under the proposed agreement, an increase in the import of agricultural products could put additional economic pressure on local farmers, at a time when the agricultural sector was already struggling with rising input costs, debt, and market uncertainties.The farmer organisations further stated that the agriculture sector in the United States received extensive subsidies and protection, whereas small and marginal farmers in India were cultivating with limited resources. In such circumstances, import-based competition could adversely affect Indian agriculture. They demanded that, before finalising any international trade agreement, formal consultation with farmers and agricultural organisations must be made mandatory.The farmer organisations also pointed out that, so far, no private member bill regarding the MSP guarantee law was introduced in Parliament by the opposition, one of the key demands of the farmers.The delegation also referred to the govt's announcement in the 2024 Budget to increase the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, stating that no official notification was yet issued in this regard.Farmer leaders P T John, Ranjit Singh Sandhu, R Nandakumar, Gurpreet Singh Sangha, Ashok Balhara, Baldev Singh Zira, Guramneet Singh Mangat, Hamid Malik, and Tejveer Singh Panjokhra Sahib were present in the meeting.Earlier, the farmer leaders were stopped at Gurdwara Rakabganj. However, they were allowed to move ahead after procuring passes for Parliament.MSID:: 128308609 413 |