New Delhi: A large contingent of farmers from Punjab left for the national capital on Sunday to participate in a Maha Panchayat being held at Delhi's Kisan Ghat on Monday, protesting against the proposed India–US trade agreement.
India and US are negotiating Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched on February 13 last year. However, two parties are still not able to finalise the deal because of contentious demands of America's access to India's agriculture and dairy sector among others.
Both the countries have stated that 99 percent of terms have been negotiated, only 1 percent terms are contentious.
On the other hand, the gathering has been convened by the Desh Bachao Morcha, with organizers claiming that nearly 550 farmers' unions and social organizations from across the country are expected to participate.
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The protest is aimed at opposing the proposed trade pact, which farmer groups allege could have far-reaching consequences for India's agricultural sector and rural economy.
Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (Punjab) have alleged that the proposed agreement would adversely affect Indian farmers, agricultural labourers, small traders and the wider public.
They contend that the trade deal is designed to benefit American companies and farmers while overlooking the interests of India's small and marginal cultivators.
Farmer leaders have expressed concerns that increased market access for imported agricultural products could place additional pressure on domestic producers, impacting farm incomes and livelihoods.
They have called on the Centre to safeguard the interests of Indian agriculture before finalising any trade agreement.
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The Maha Panchayat is expected to witness participation from farmer unions, labour groups and several social organisations from different states. Organisers said the meeting would deliberate on the potential impact of the proposed India–US trade agreement and chalk out a strategy for future protests if their concerns are not addressed.
The demonstration comes amid ongoing debates over India's trade negotiations with the United States, with farmer organisations demanding greater transparency and consultation before any agreement is signed. Security arrangements have been put in place in the national capital in view of the large turnout expected for the protest.
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