Punjab Congress Voices Grave Concerns Over Indo-US Trade Deal Provisions
The Punjab Congress has raised significant alarm regarding the provisions of the Indo-US trade deal, particularly the potential inclusion of "zero tariffs" on US imports to India. In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the party expressed fears that this arrangement might extend to agricultural products, posing a severe threat to the farming community and the agricultural economy.
Apprehensions Over Agricultural Imports and Economic Impact
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring highlighted the lack of clarity surrounding the trade agreement. He pointed out that there is genuine apprehension among farmers, especially in Punjab, that agricultural goods could enter the country without any tariff barriers. Warring warned that such a scenario would sound the death knell for the agricultural economy, with Punjab likely to be the worst affected region.
Warring elaborated on the disparities in the proposed deal, noting that while US imports might enjoy zero tariffs, Indian products could face tariffs as high as 18%. He stated, "There are genuine fears and apprehensions among farmers across the country, Punjab in particular, over the Modi government succumbing to US pressure by agreeing to ‘zero tariffs' on US imports." He emphasized that if agricultural products are included under this zero-tariff provision, it would not only crash the agricultural economy nationwide but also jeopardize farmers' survival.
Calls for Government Accountability and Farmer Unity
The Congress leader demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi provide a clear explanation to the nation, particularly to farmers, assuring that their interests are not being compromised. Warring cautioned, "Otherwise, the government must be prepared to face the wrath of farmers." He stressed that the stakes are high, with not only farmers' livelihoods but the country's overall survival at risk.
Adding to the concerns, Congress leader and MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal described the zero-tariff trade agreement as harmful to Punjab's farmers and agriculture. He underscored that Punjab's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with lakhs of people depending on crops like wheat, rice, fruits, and dairy for their livelihoods. Dhaliwal called for farmer unions to unite and oppose this deal to safeguard agriculture and the farming community.
Broader Implications for Food Security and Rural Employment
Dhaliwal further emphasized that agriculture is not just a business but is central to food security and cultural life in Punjab. He warned that reducing tariffs on imports of staple foods, animal products, and processed foods could pose a serious threat to India's food sovereignty and the backbone of rural employment. Agriculture provides employment to a large population in rural India, and therefore, it should be treated as a protected sector that receives special consideration and exemptions in international agreements.
The Congress leader criticized the central government for its haste in finalizing the trade deal without adequate consultation. He asserted that farmer leaders and agriculture experts should have been consulted to ensure the interests and livelihoods of Punjab's farmers were protected. This oversight, according to Dhaliwal, reflects a disregard for the critical role agriculture plays in the nation's economy and food security.
