Farmers Threaten Nationwide Protests Over US-India Trade Deal Concerns

Major farmer organisations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have threatened nationwide protests against the proposed interim trade deal between India and the United States. In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM accused the government of a “total surrender of Indian agriculture” to American multinational corporations and demanded the immediate resignation of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

During an online press conference, SKM leaders said protests would be organised across rural India, with effigies of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be burned. The farmer groups also expressed support for the nationwide general strike scheduled for February 12, highlighting growing unrest in the agricultural community.

AIKS Leader Krishna Prasad warned that the trade deal would allow imports of products such as dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum for animal feed, and soybean oil, potentially undermining the interests of Indian farmers. He criticised the government for prioritising the economies of partner nations over India’s agricultural sector and stressed that such deals should be debated in Parliament before being finalised.

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Leaders of other farmer organisations echoed these concerns. Krantikari Kisan Union (Punjab) Leader Darshan Pal called the deal a “death blow” for stressed farmers, while Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait noted that uncertainty over the negotiations was creating anxiety among the farming community. The SKM accused Commerce Minister Goyal of betraying farmers, labelling him a “traitor” and reiterating their demand for his resignation.

Responding to the criticism, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal defended the agreement, stating that essential items such as grains, spices, dairy, poultry, meat, and several vegetables and fruits—including potatoes, oranges, and strawberries—were excluded from the deal. He also clarified that genetically modified crops, including soybeans, had not been included, countering claims that the trade agreement would compromise Indian agriculture.

The controversy underscores the tension between the government’s efforts to enhance international trade relations and farmers’ fears about the potential impact of foreign imports on domestic agriculture. The coming weeks are expected to see intensified debate and demonstrations as the issue gains national attention.

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