• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Farmers protest march to Delhi against India-US trade deal.
  2. Demand cancellation of deal, legal guarantee for MSP.
  3. Concerns over cheap imports, GM crops affecting livelihoods.

Farmers' Delhi Protest: A large number of farmers under the banner of the 'Desh Bachao Morcha' on Tuesday began their protest march to Delhi from Gurudwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab. They are demanding the cancellation of the proposed India-US trade agreement. Leading the convoy, Sarwan Singh Pandher, head of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and coordinator of the morcha stated that scrapping the trade deal remains their primary objective.

The protesting farmers departed around 6:00 am in a caravan of buses, mini-buses, jeeps, and private vehicles after offering prayers at the historic gurdwara. They intend to reach 'Kisan Ghat' in Delhi and hold a peaceful, four-hour-long rally. Earlier in the morning, police sealed the Shambhu Border after farmers gathered at the Punjab-Haryana border and also beefed up the security at Singhu border.

Farmer Leader Pandher Calls For Dialogue

Farmer leader Pandher said they did not seek any confrontation and expressed regret over the closure of the Shambhu border, which he said had caused inconvenience to the general public. Speaking before the march, he said, “The information we are receiving is that the Shambhu border has been closed. We feel that instead of resolving the issues by talking to the farmers, the government of the country is adopting a policy of confrontation and suppression. The voices of the country's youth, farmers, and labourers are not being heard. We will present this before the nation, and the people will respond."

Why Are The Farmers Protesting, What Are Their Demands?

The primary concern of the farmers stems from the inclusion of the agriculture and dairy sectors in the proposed India-US trade deal. This has raised fears that unrestricted imports of cheap American maize, soybeans, cotton, and dairy products may flood domestic markets and affect crop prices, resulting in devastating financial losses for farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

ALSO READ: Farmers Delhi Protest: Security Up At Singhu Border As Farmers March Towards Capital Against India-US Trade Deal

Beyond immediate market competition, Pandher has raised serious alarms over the potential entry of genetically modified (GM) crops and agricultural products into India. Farmers believe that these crops and products can compromise food security and local farming practices. As a result, farmers have firmly reiterated their long-standing demand for a legal guarantee on a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops to safeguard their livelihoods against these foreign and domestic market pressures.

Why Are They Against Proposed India-US Trade Deal?

Referring to Union Trade and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's statements on the proposed deal, Pandher said, "Piyush Goyal says there will be no compromise on the dairy and agriculture sectors, but it seems a deal has already been made.” He claimed that a White House press release mentions cotton, soybean, corn, dry fruits, apples, pears, and other agricultural products under a 'Wide Range Trade Agreement. He added that the deal seems certain since it looks like a comprehensive trade agreement.

Despite months of negotiations, India and the United States have not yet finalised an interim trade agreement. According to Reuters reports, the latest round of talks ended without consensus as Washington declined to provide assurances on preferential tariffs for India or guarantees against future tariffs, particularly concerning competition with China.

ALSO READ: Delhi Traffic Advisory: Diversions Announced For Farmers' Rally Today; Check Routes To Avoid

PM Modi Assures Protection Of Farmers' Rights

Addressing the reporters after the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister remains committed to protecting farmers' rights. He noted that PM Modi has stated that the interests of farmers would be prioritised, while lauding the recently concluded FTAs signed with various countries. PM Modi asserted that the "welfare of farmers remains paramount in any FTA signed with any country."

Haryana Govt Accepts Farmers' Demands

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that amid the march, Pandher held discussions with Haryana's Agriculture Minister, Shyam Singh Rana. The Minister has reportedly accepted the farmers' memorandum, which outlines two key demands that he assured would be met. The two demands include the release of Gurnam Singh Charuni and the facilitation of a meeting between the farmers and the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

ALSO READ: Punjab Farmers March To Delhi Against US FTA; Khanauri And Shambhu Borders Sealed, Katra Expressway Traffic Halted


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