Bharatiya Janata Party’s Punjab unit President, Sunil Jakhar, has extended an invitation to farmer organizations for discussions regarding the India-US trade agreement. Jakhar emphasized the importance of dialogue over agitation if any concerns exist about the deal’s impact. He reassured that the agreement would not harm farmers in Punjab but rather benefit industry, trade, and youth employment opportunities.
During a meeting in Mohali with BJP district executive members, Jakhar highlighted that key crops like wheat, paddy, maize, and sugarcane from Punjab are excluded from the agreement’s scope. He stressed that agriculture, though essential, often falls short in providing substantial income for families, necessitating the growth of new industries and trade for youth employment prospects.
Jakhar underlined that the trade pact opens doors for India’s industry and trade to access the vast $30 trillion US economy. He urged farmer groups to express their concerns openly and engage in dialogue to address any perceived negative impacts on Punjab’s farmers. Jakhar affirmed that protests should only follow failed attempts at dialogue and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests.
The BJP President also advocated for the implementation of an agricultural policy in Punjab, addressing the state’s law-and-order challenges and the pressing issue of drug abuse. He encouraged focusing protests on genuine issues rather than misconceptions about the trade deal, emphasizing its pro-Punjab stance. Jakhar, speaking from his experience as a farmer, expressed confidence in the agreement’s alignment with national interests and praised PM Modi’s strategic approach.
