Indian farmers announce nationwide protest against US trade deal

NEW DELHI (Web Desk) – Indian farmers have announced a nationwide protest against a proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, expressing strong concerns over its impact on the agriculture sector.

According to Indian media reports, the Bharatiya Kisan Union has called for a countrywide strike on February 12. Farmer leaders claim that India has offered excessive concessions to the US in agricultural trade, which they believe could hurt local farmers and put their livelihoods at risk.

Protests were also held in Indian Punjab, where farmers demonstrated against the agreement and burned effigies of leaders from both countries. Farmer organizations described the deal as a setback for the agricultural community, calling it a step taken under pressure and against national farming interests.

They argue that the agreement could open the floodgates for foreign competition, increasing pressure on India’s already struggling farmers. Many believe the deal may tilt the playing field in favor of large international producers.

India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, however, defended the agreement. He said that under the deal, certain Indian agricultural products, including bananas and mangoes, would gain zero-tariff access to the US market, potentially boosting exports.

Reports indicate that nearly 80% of India’s farmers are small landholders owning two hectares or less, which limits their income. Despite this, farmers remain a powerful voting bloc, and governments have traditionally walked a tightrope to avoid upsetting them.

The issue is expected to heat up in the coming days as protests unfold across the country.