Punjab Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Tuesday warned in the Punjab Assembly that the proposed India–US trade agreement could have serious consequences for Punjab’s agriculture and allied sectors. Supporting a resolution moved by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, he cautioned that opening India’s markets to subsidised American farm products could weaken the state’s agrarian economy and adversely affect farmers and several sectors dependent on agriculture.
Participating in the discussion on the resolution, Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar stated, “Punjab has historically played a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s food security. The farmers of the state, through relentless hard work and sacrifices, have made immense contributions in feeding the country.
However, the proposed agreement could weaken the sustainability of Punjab’s agrarian economy if large-scale imports of subsidised agricultural produce from the United States are permitted.” The Cabinet Minister pointed out, “Wheat cultivation in Punjab operates under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework where the cost of production including labour, fertilizers, electricity, irrigation and other inputs remains significantly high.
The effective procurement cost of wheat in India stands around ₹2600–2700 per quintal whereas wheat produced in the United States can enter global markets at much lower prices due to highly mechanised farming and substantial subsidies extended to American farmers.” Laljit Singh Bhullar warned, “Such price disparity would place Punjab’s farmers at a serious disadvantage.
The repercussions would also be felt by commission agents, traders, shopkeepers, transporters and several other stakeholders whose livelihoods remain closely linked with the agricultural economy. Punjab’s economy continues to be deeply rooted in agriculture and any policy that weakens the farming sector will inevitably affect multiple sections of society.”
He also voiced concern over the impact of the agreement on the dairy sector, stating, “Dairy farming acts as a crucial supplementary source of income for a large number of farming families in the state. The influx of cheaper dairy products from the United States into the Indian market could destabilize local dairy farmers and weaken one of Punjab’s vital rural economic pillars.”
The Punjab Minister further cautioned, “Policies encouraging the expansion of large corporate interests in agriculture could gradually marginalize small and medium farmers. Such a situation will push many cultivators towards financial distress and lead to greater corporate control over agricultural resources and farmland.”
Reaffirming the AAP government’s firm commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests, he asserted, “Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government remains resolute in protecting the agrarian economy and rural livelihoods. The AAP government will continue to raise its voice at every appropriate forum against policies that threaten the future of farmers.”
Calling upon all political parties to rise above partisan considerations, Laljit Singh Bhullar urged members of the House to extend collective support to the resolution in the larger interest of Punjab and its people.