Bhagwant Mann Warns India US Trade Deal May Destroy Punjab Farmers Calls It Worse Than Farm Laws

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly criticized the proposed India–US trade agreement. Speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha he warned that the deal could damage Indian agriculture. According to him the agreement may be even more harmful than the controversial farm laws that sparked massive protests earlier. Mann argued that opening India’s agricultural market to American products would create unfair competition. He said heavily subsidized US agricultural goods could flood the Indian market. That situation may seriously affect farmers in Punjab and across the country.

What Resolution Assembly Passed

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha discussed the issue during a special debate. The resolution was introduced by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian. After the discussion the assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the proposed trade agreement. The state government said agriculture must remain outside such international deals. According to the resolution the agreement could threaten India’s agricultural sovereignty. Leaders argued that farmers’ interests should be protected before signing any global trade pact.

What Mann Said About Government

Bhagwant Mann also questioned why states were not consulted. He said no state government was informed about the details of the trade negotiations. According to him this raises serious concerns about transparency. Mann also asked what pressure might have forced the central government to consider such an agreement. He even questioned whether international influence was affecting India’s policy decisions. The Chief Minister suggested that decisions about Indian agriculture must prioritize domestic farmers.

How Farmers Could Be Affected

The Chief Minister warned that cheaper American farm products could disrupt Indian markets. Commodities such as soybean maize and cotton may enter India at lower prices. Because American farmers receive high subsidies they can sell products more cheaply. Mann said farmers in Punjab who operate on small landholdings cannot compete with large scale US agriculture. Such competition could reduce crop prices and hurt farmers’ incomes significantly.

Concerns Over Crop Diversification

Mann also highlighted the impact on Punjab’s crop diversification efforts. He said cheap imports of feed substitutes like DDGS and soybean oil could reduce demand for maize. Punjab currently grows maize on about 1.25 lakh hectares of land. If prices fall farmers may abandon diversification programs. Cotton farmers in the Malwa region could also face problems if imports increase. Even limited import quotas might push prices downward.

Risks To Agricultural Ecosystem

Another concern raised by Mann involved non tariff barriers. He warned that easing restrictions could allow genetically modified material into India. This might increase the risk of new pests plant diseases or invasive weeds. According to the Chief Minister such threats could damage Punjab’s agricultural ecosystem. Protecting soil health biodiversity and crop safety should remain a national priority.

Wider Political Message

Bhagwant Mann also criticized the central government’s approach toward Punjab. He said the Centre has withheld funds related to RDF GST and the National Health Mission. According to him this reflects political retaliation after the farmers’ movement. The Chief Minister urged farmers’ unions experts and intellectuals to unite against the agreement. He said protecting Indian agriculture is essential for the country’s economic and social stability.