Chandigarh, Feb 11 (NationPress) The President of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab unit, Sunil Jakhar, on Wednesday reached out to farmer organizations for discussions, emphasizing that "if they perceive any flaws in the India-US trade agreement, they should opt for dialogue rather than protests."

He reiterated that this agreement will not negatively impact farmers, particularly those in Punjab, but will rather enhance industry and trade while generating new job opportunities for the youth.

While addressing the media following a meeting in Mohali with BJP district executive members and mandal presidents to explain the trade agreement, the BJP state President stressed that crops such as wheat, paddy, maize, and sugarcane are excluded from the agreement's purview and will remain unaffected.

Jakhar noted that currently, every farmer recognizes that agriculture is not a highly lucrative profession.

"While it supports families, it does not yield sufficient income to meet their children's aspirations. Every family desires for their children to seek employment outside of farming. However, this can only be achieved if new industries are created and trade flourishes."

He stated that this deal is a significant step forward, as it will open doors for India's industry and trade to the $30 trillion US market.

"As industry and trade expand, new job opportunities will be generated for the youth," he added.

The BJP President urged farmer groups to articulate the perceived impacts of the deal on Punjab's farmers. He welcomed them for discussions, assuring that if any farming organization believes the agreement will harm Punjab's farmers, they should come forward, and all concerns will be addressed. He remarked that "protests are only justified when the avenue for dialogue has been exhausted."

He reassured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicated to safeguarding farmers' interests, and this commitment has ensured that Punjab farmers' interests are protected in this agreement.

The BJP President also called on farmer groups to advocate for the implementation of an agricultural policy in the state, which farmers had protested for a year ago but has yet to be enacted.

He expressed concern that the law-and-order situation in the state has "deteriorated significantly" and that drug abuse is threatening the next generation.

"If protests are to be organized, they should zero in on these pressing issues instead of a non-issue, as there is nothing detrimental to Punjab in the deal," he stated.

Speaking as a farmer himself, he expressed confidence in this assertion. He also noted that while the US President speaks about making America great again, Prime Minister Modi, under current global circumstances, has adeptly pursued policies to enhance India's standing while ensuring national interests are upheld through this agreement, which deserves recognition.

In response to a question, he condemned the shooting incident involving two migrant laborers in Moga.

He remarked that previously businesspersons faced such situations, and now even laborers are becoming targets. He urged the state government to take action, stating that such divisive actions must be strictly controlled, as they contradict the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

He emphasized that the contributions of migrant laborers to Punjab's industry and agriculture cannot be overlooked.