Chandigarh, February 10
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Partap Bajwa and Congress leaders for spreading
misleading narratives on international trade and said that instead of raising genuine farmer concerns, Congress leaders are deliberately creating fear and confusion. He said misleading farmers through imaginary global conspiracy and corporate control theories reflects Congress’ long-standing political habit.
Chugh clarified that Punjab’s core agricultural crops remain fully protected and no tariff concessions have been granted on them. He said staple grains such as wheat and rice continue to enjoy full protection with no reduction in tariffs, ensuring that no additional import market has been opened. He added that maize meant for human consumption remains fully protected, while pulses including tur, moong, urad, chana, and peas have been kept completely outside such trade arrangements. He also said that millets including jowar, bajra, and ragi remain fully safeguarded.
Chugh further stated that oilseeds and related products such as soybean meal, mustard, groundnut, and edible oils beyond fixed quotas have not been granted any concessions to protect oilseed farmers. He said the entire dairy sector including milk, cheese, butter and ghee remains excluded from such agreements. Poultry, meat products, honey, and eggs also remain protected. He added that fruits such as banana, citrus, strawberry, and cherry have not been opened to unrestricted imports, while ethanol produced from sugarcane and genetically modified food products remain completely outside trade concessions.
Chugh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian farmers now have access to the world’s largest consumer markets including the United States and Europe, creating new opportunities for agricultural exports, food processing industries, and MSMEs. He said Punjab’s farmers are strong and self-reliant and need market expansion and honest leadership, not fear-driven politics.
