Farmers across India are intensifying protests against a potential trade deal with the United States. They fear it could harm the agricultural sector and undermine their livelihoods. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an alliance of various farmer unions, is mobilizing to inform farmers in over one lakh villages about the dangers of this deal.
Many farmers worry that the deal will flood Indian markets with heavily subsidized U.S. agricultural products. This would make it hard for small and middle farmers to compete, leading to loss of income across rural areas. Avik Saha of the SKM highlighted the issue, noting that farmers found out about the trade details through social media channels of U.S. officials. He pointed out that the deal seems to favor American farmers by allowing them access to India’s large market.
According to SKM, agricultural products and dairy being included in the deal could repeat the unrest seen during the 2020-21 protests. They argue that the trade agreement could also undermine government procurement mechanisms and the Minimum Support Price, which many farmers rely on. P. Krishna Prasad from SKM said they plan to visit villages and organize protests to raise awareness.
The government maintains that it is protecting farmers’ interests. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that key food items and dairy would not be negatively impacted under the deal. However, many farmers, like Ram Narayan Bana from Rajasthan, expressed uncertainty about the trade agreement. He mentioned it could either help or hurt them, depending on whether imports are allowed.
Experts are divided on the deal’s implications. Dharmendra Malik, an agriculture specialist, warned that if U.S. subsidized products enter India, local farmers could struggle. This could especially impact sectors like prawns, coffee, and spices, which are already facing tariff pressures.
Statistics indicate that the U.S. agricultural trade deficit with India was about 1.3 billion dollars in 2024. U.S. officials assert that this trade deal is crucial for reducing that deficit, highlighting India’s growing population as a significant market for American agricultural exports.
Historically, farmers have successfully contested government policies. In recent years, the SKM has influenced key decisions, leading to the repeal of controversial farm laws and other actions. These past victories empower farmers to feel confident as they voice their concerns about this new trade deal.
With the stakes so high, understanding the terms of such agreements is vital for farmers. As the discussion continues, the need for transparency from the government becomes increasingly important. Farmers expect clarity on how this deal will affect their livelihoods before any agreement is finalized.
For more information on agricultural trade impacts, check the USDA’s official resources [here](https://www.usda.gov).
Source link
FARMER OUTFITS, AGRICULTURE, INDIA US TIES, TRADE, INDIA US TRADE DEAL, FARMER OUTFITS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER AGRICULTURE POINTS IN INDIA US TRADE DEAL
