punjab farmers are protesting against a World Trade Organisation (wto) agreement that will come into force from April 1, 2001. According to the agreement, as many as 1,429 items from other countries would be allowed to enter the Indian market. These include nearly 300 items related to agriculture and allied fields like dairy, poultry and fisheries. The farmers fear that this would ruin their ability to compete in the market, as the imported products will be much cheaper.

"The Punjab government is planning to submit proposals to the Union government for ensuring that the agreement is amended,' said Kanwaljit Singh, the state finance minister.