Farmers' organisations have announced nationwide protests against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement, warning that possible tariff cuts and increased imports could affect Indian agriculture and small producers.
Madhya Pradesh: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced nationwide protests on July 22 against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other trade agreements, urging the government to reconsider the ongoing negotiations.
The farmers' body has written an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting her intervention to stop the Centre from signing the agreement without wider discussion.
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The SKM said: "The FTAs, negotiated in secrecy and under corporate pressure, are a profound betrayal of India's national interest.... A blueprint for economic colonisation."
The organisation has demanded that all documents related to the FTA negotiations be made public and discussed in Parliament before any agreement is finalised.
Why are farmers opposing the trade deal?
Farmer groups fear that the proposed India-US trade agreement could allow cheaper agricultural products from the United States and other countries to enter the Indian market.
They argue that American farmers often receive higher subsidies and operate on larger farms, while many Indian farmers depend on smaller landholdings and limited financial support.
According to farmer organisations, increased imports could reduce domestic prices and affect the income of farmers, dairy producers, livestock rearers and small businesses.
Agriculture becomes key issue in India-US negotiations
India and the United States are negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement aimed at increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
The agreement covers sectors including manufacturing, services, digital trade and market access, but agriculture has emerged as one of the most sensitive areas.
Farmers are particularly concerned about possible market access for products such as soybean oil, fruits, nuts, animal feed products and other agricultural commodities.
They have also raised concerns about sensitive sectors like dairy, poultry, wheat, rice and sugar, although the final agreement has not been announced.
Government says agriculture remains a red line
The Centre has maintained that India's agricultural interests will not be compromised during negotiations.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said India will sign a trade agreement only if it is balanced and beneficial for businesses, workers, farmers and consumers.
Indian officials have described agriculture as a "red line" in discussions with the United States.
The SKM has declared July 22 as "Farmers' Pledge Day against FTAs" and said farmers will organise public meetings and protests across the country.
The organisation also criticised the police action during the CJP-led student protest in Delhi and announced that farmers would burn effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump as part of their campaign.
The SKM extended support to student demands, including calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, changes to the National Testing Agency (NTA) system and compensation for families affected by examination-related issues.
What farmers are demanding
Farmer organisations are demanding transparency in the India-US trade negotiations and want details of the agreement to be placed in the public domain.
They have urged the government not to approve any deal that increases foreign competition in agriculture without safeguards for Indian farmers. The SKM has warned that protests could intensify if their concerns are not addressed before the agreement moves forward.
Published: 21 Jul 2026, 08:50 pm IST
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