Punjab Finance Minister Alleges Centre's Conspiracy Against Farmers in US Trade Deal
In a fiery statement from Chandigarh on Thursday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema launched a scathing accusation against the BJP-led Central government. He claimed the Centre is actively hatching a conspiracy to destroy Punjab's farmers and, by extension, farmers across India, by selling the nation's agriculture to the United States through the US-India trade agreement.
Warning of Economic Devastation from Cheap US Imports
Cheema expressed grave concerns that if the trade deal proceeds, it will allow cheap American agricultural products to flood the Indian market at low prices. He specifically highlighted the threat posed by items such as milk powder, cheese, and various grains. The minister warned that this influx would directly crush Punjab's farmers, who have been the backbone of India's food security for decades.
"Where will Punjab's farmers go? Where will the country's farmers go?" Cheema questioned, raising a serious alarm about the future of agricultural livelihoods. He emphasized that Punjab has contributed significantly to India's national food buffer through wheat and paddy production for nearly 50 years, making this issue critical not just for the state but for the entire nation.
Evidence from US Agriculture Secretary's Statement
To bolster his claims, Cheema referred to a social media post by US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. In the post, Rollins publicly thanked former President Donald Trump and celebrated the trade deal, stating it would enable the export of more American farm products into India's massive market.
Cheema asserted, "The US agriculture secretary openly celebrated the deal, stating that it would lift American prices, pump cash into rural America, and strengthen the US economy. This is clear evidence that the deal is not being done for Indian farmers, but for American farmers."
He argued that this statement reveals the true intent behind the agreement: to benefit American agricultural interests at the expense of Indian farmers. Cheema's allegations suggest a deliberate move by the Centre to undermine domestic farming communities, potentially leading to widespread economic hardship and destabilization in rural areas.
The minister's remarks have sparked a heated debate, highlighting tensions between state and central governments over agricultural policies and international trade agreements. As discussions continue, the fate of Punjab's farmers and the broader agricultural sector in India remains a pressing concern.
