Punjab farmers protest against India-US trade deal in Chandigarh

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Chandigarh, July 13

Punjab farmers on Monday organised a bike rally in Chandigarh to protest against the proposed India–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), alleging that the agreement could increase agricultural imports and put pressure on domestic crop prices. The protesters also raised concerns over Punjab’s river water rights, a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the proposed Land Pooling Policy and other long-standing state issues.

Carrying green flags, farmers rode through designated routes wearing white T-shirts bearing slogans including “Supply Clean Water”, “Save Us From Cancer”, “Reject Punjab Water Agreements”, and “Repeal Sections 78, 79 & 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966”. Addressing the gathering, farmer leaders alleged that Punjab has been deprived of its rightful share of river water for decades and demanded complete state control over river waters, clean drinking water for every household and adequate irrigation for farms.

The protesters also alleged that industrial chemical waste is contaminating groundwater, contributing to rising cases of jaundice and cancer. They demanded the repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, claiming the provisions undermine Punjab’s rights over its water resources. The leaders reiterated their demand for the complete transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab and sought a legal guarantee of MSP based on the Swaminathan Commission’s C2 + 50% formula, along with MSP procurement of pulses and oilseeds.

Farmer leaders also opposed the Punjab Government’s proposed Land Pooling Policy, alleging it threatens farmers’ land ownership and could ultimately result in the loss of agricultural land. They claimed the policy had previously been withdrawn following protests, but alleged that efforts are underway to reintroduce it. The rally at Sector 34 remained peaceful, with police deployed to maintain law and order. Farmer leaders said they would continue their agitation until their demands receive serious consideration from the Central Government.