Jammu, April 15, KNT: Uday Bhanu Chib on Wednesday termed the proposed India–US trade deal “anti-India and anti-farmer,” saying the Youth Congress would continue to oppose any agreement that harms the interests of farmers and citizens.
Chib made the remarks while attending a convention in Reasi, where party workers gathered to discuss concerns related to the trade agreement.
Earlier, he was received by Youth Congress workers at Jammu airport upon his arrival.
How India–US Trade Deal Could Impact Agriculture and Farmers
- Lower Import Tariffs: Reduced duties on U.S. agricultural products could make imported goods cheaper, increasing competition for Indian farmers in domestic markets.
- Price Pressure on Crops: Cheaper imports may push down prices of locally produced crops, affecting farm incomes, especially for small and marginal farmers.
- Impact on Dairy Sector: Opening markets to U.S. dairy products could challenge India’s cooperative-based dairy system, which supports millions of rural households.
- Subsidy Imbalance: U.S. farmers benefit from higher subsidies and advanced technology, creating an uneven playing field compared to Indian farmers.
- Shift in Cropping Patterns: Farmers may be forced to move away from traditional crops toward more market-driven production, increasing financial risks.
- Food Security Concerns: Greater reliance on imports could affect long-term food self-sufficiency if domestic production declines.
- Regulatory Standards Pressure: Alignment with international standards may require farmers to invest more in compliance, increasing input costs.
- Market Volatility: Increased exposure to global price fluctuations could make farm incomes more unstable.
Note: Impact would depend on final terms of the agreement and safeguard measures, if any.
“Our fight to protect the interests of farmers and fellow citizens will continue,” Chib said, reiterating the organization’s opposition to the deal.
He said: “Due to the BJP’s policies, the local people of Katra are facing a severe economic and employment crisis! In the name of the ropeway project, the government is determined to snatch away the livelihoods of those service providers who have been serving pilgrims for years. We stand firmly with these service providers in the fight for their rights and dignity!.”
The event was part of a broader campaign by the Indian Youth Congress to mobilize support against the proposed agreement, which the party alleges could adversely impact domestic agricultural sectors. [KNT]
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