Punjab: Jakhar invites farmers for talks on India–US deal

BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar invites farmers to discuss concerns over the India-US trade agreement, asserting it won't harm agriculture in Punjab.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab president Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday invited farmer organisations for a dialogue, stating that if they see any shortcomings in the India–US trade agreement, they should choose the path of discussion rather than agitation.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab president Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday invited farmer organisations for a dialogue.

Reiterating that the agreement will not have any adverse impact on farmers, especially those in Punjab, Jakhar said the pact will instead benefit industry and trade while creating new employment opportunities for the youth.

“Crops grown in Punjab—such as wheat, paddy, maize, and sugarcane—have been kept outside the scope of the agreement and will not affect farmers in any way. Every farmer acknowledges that agriculture is not a highly profitable occupation. While it sustains families, it does not generate enough income to fulfil their children’s aspirations,” Jakhar said.

The BJP president appealed to farmer groups to clearly state what impact they believe the deal will have on Punjab’s farmers. “I invite them for discussions. If any farmer organisation feels that the agreement will affect Punjab’s cultivators, they should come forward for talks, and all their concerns will be addressed,” he added.