Farmers’ organisations across India have announced plans for nationwide protests against the recently signed US-India free trade agreement, warning that it could have severe repercussions for domestic agriculture. The demonstrations, led by groups such as the Bhartiya Kisan Union and All India Kisan Sabha, are being compared to the 2020-2021 farmers’ protests against the now-repealed farm laws.

Rakesh Tikait, national convener of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, stated that the trade deal disproportionately benefits the US agricultural sector. Officials from the United States, including USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and USTR Jamieson Greer, have highlighted that the agreement will boost US exports to India, improve farmgate prices in America, and channel more capital into rural American communities.

Under the deal, India has opened its markets to US agricultural products such as Dried Distillers' Grains with Solubles (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, soybean oil, tree nuts, wine, and processed fruits. Farmers’ leaders warn that imports of DDGs and soybean oil could depress domestic crop prices for maize, sorghum, and soybeans, which are already trading below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Rajasthan.

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Bijoo Krishnan, national convener of the All India Kisan Sabha, criticised the government for not consulting farmer organisations or disclosing negotiation documents. He added that, following examples like the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement’s impact on Kerala’s spice and rubber economy, similar FTAs risk undermining India’s agricultural backbone. Protest plans include burning effigies of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in villages nationwide.

In addition to the trade agreement, farmers’ groups expressed concerns over the draft Seeds and Pesticide Bills, arguing that these measures, combined with the FTA, could exacerbate challenges for small and marginal farmers. The leaders have called for urgent dialogue with the government to safeguard agricultural livelihoods and ensure fair market conditions.

The nationwide protests mark a significant escalation in farmer activism, reflecting growing unease over international trade policies and their potential impact on India’s agricultural sector and rural economy. Farmers have emphasised that any agreement harming domestic prices or local production will be met with sustained public opposition.

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