Farmers Protest Against India–U.S. Trade Deal Across Punjab

Chandigarh: Farmers and farm labourers across Punjab staged protests on Thursday against the recently announced India–U.S. trade deal, expressing concerns that the agreement could adversely affect the interests of the agricultural community.

The demonstrations were organised under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). Farmers gathered outside the residences and offices of several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in different districts of the state to voice their opposition to the agreement and press for other long-pending demands.

Protests were reported from multiple locations, including Sangrur, the hometown of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Demonstrators raised slogans and held placards expressing their concerns about the possible impact of the trade deal on domestic farmers.

Farmers’ leaders claimed that the agreement could lead to increased imports of agricultural products from the United States, which they fear may undermine local farmers and affect crop prices in India. They demanded greater transparency regarding the terms of the deal and urged the central government to safeguard the interests of Indian agriculture.

Apart from opposing the trade pact, the protesters also raised several other issues affecting the farming community. These included demands for better crop prices, legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt relief for farmers, and improved welfare measures for farm labourers.

Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha warned that if their concerns were not addressed, the protests could intensify in the coming days. They also appealed to the government to engage in dialogue with farmer organisations to resolve the issues.

The demonstrations remained largely peaceful, with police deployed in several areas to maintain law and order. The protests highlight the continuing unease among farmers regarding trade policies and their potential impact on India’s agricultural sector.