Farmer Leaders Meet Rahul Gandhi to Discuss India-US Trade Deal Concerns
A significant delegation representing the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) farmer forum from multiple states convened with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Friday. The meeting centered on expressing deep apprehensions regarding the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States.
Delegation Leadership and Key Participants
The delegation was spearheaded by Amarjeet Singh Mohri, who serves as the president of the BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh). They were joined by Bholath MLA and All India Kisan Congress chairman Sukhpal Singh Khaira, alongside other prominent farmer leaders including 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.
Detailed Discussions on Agricultural and Dairy Sector Impacts
During the extensive discussions, the farmer leaders highlighted the potential adverse effects of the proposed India-US trade deal on the agriculture and dairy sectors. They articulated a strong concern that an increase in imports of agricultural products under the agreement could impose additional economic strain on local farmers. This concern is particularly acute given that the agricultural sector is already grappling with significant challenges such as escalating input costs, mounting debt burdens, and persistent market uncertainties.
Comparative Analysis of Agricultural Support Systems
The farmer organizations presented a comparative analysis, noting that the agriculture sector in the United States benefits from extensive subsidies and robust protection measures. In stark contrast, small and marginal farmers in India operate with limited resources and minimal support. In such a scenario, they argued that import-based competition could severely undermine Indian agriculture, potentially leading to financial distress and reduced viability for domestic farmers.
Key Demands and Legislative Concerns
The delegation put forth several critical demands. They insisted that before any international trade agreement is finalized, formal consultations with farmers and agricultural organizations must be made mandatory to ensure their interests are adequately represented. Additionally, they pointed out that, to date, no private member bill regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law has been introduced in Parliament by the opposition, despite this being one of the key demands from the farming community.
Government Announcements and Implementation Gaps
Reference was also made to the government's announcement in the 2024 Budget to increase the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The delegation expressed dissatisfaction, stating that no official notification has been issued in this regard, leaving farmers in a state of uncertainty about accessing enhanced credit facilities.
Logistical Challenges and Access to Parliament
Earlier in the day, the farmer leaders encountered logistical hurdles when they were stopped at Gurdwara Rakabganj. However, after procuring the necessary passes, they were permitted to proceed to Parliament for the scheduled meeting, underscoring the procedural steps involved in such engagements.
This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between political representatives and agricultural stakeholders, highlighting the critical need for inclusive policy-making in trade negotiations that directly impact the livelihoods of millions of farmers across India.
