Bathinda: Farmer unions have strongly opposed any move to open India’s agriculture sector to US trade agreements, warning that such a decision could severely impact farmers and the Indian economy. They urged the central government to resist US pressure, stating that increased foreign competition would harm local agricultural producers and make them vulnerable to fluctuating global tariffs.
The US has been pushing India to sign a large-scale trade agreement that would grant American businesses greater access to the Indian agricultural market. On Friday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized this demand, stating, “It just can’t stay closed.”
Farmers’ Concerns and Threat of Protests
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) strongly opposed the idea, arguing that Indian agriculture is already struggling and supports millions of livelihoods. “Opening up the agriculture sector will push many farmers out of business. If the central government agrees, farmers across the country will launch mass protests,” he warned.
Other farmer representatives, including Prem Singh Bhangu and Raminder Patiala, echoed Rajewal’s concerns. SKM released a statement condemning US pressure, saying, “The US is dictating trade terms, but giving in to these demands will destroy Indian farmers. This is like implementing the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) long-opposed policies completely. We cannot allow multinational corporations to take over Indian agriculture.”
Experts Warn of Economic Risks
Food policy analyst Devinder Sharma cautioned that if reports of India yielding to US pressure are true, it would have disastrous consequences for Indian agriculture. He emphasized that India should not fear retaliatory tariffs from the US. “By refusing to give the US greater market access, India will ultimately benefit,” Sharma said.
Farmer rights activist Kavita Kuruganti pointed out that India has often compromised its farmers’ interests in global trade agreements, prioritizing benefits for other industries. She warned, “If India agrees to this deal, our farmers will be forced to compete with heavily subsidized American farmers, who produce food at lower costs. Indian farmers will be priced out of the market, leading to more farm suicides.”
A Different Viewpoint
However, not all experts believe resisting the US is the best approach. Bharat Krishak Samaj Chairman Ajay Vir Jakhar acknowledged that the US push for access to India’s agriculture sector is inevitable. He suggested that Indian farmers should be prepared for compromises. “Trade deals will have to be made in the larger interest of the country, and farmers should start preparing for this reality,” Jakhar said.
Growing Opposition
Several major farmer unions, including Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), SKM (Non-Political), and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), have strongly opposed any trade pact that could harm Indian agriculture. They have urged the central government to reject any such agreement outright and stand firmly in support of farmers.
The issue is gaining momentum, and if the government moves forward with negotiations, widespread farmer protests could follow, similar to the large-scale demonstrations against farm laws in 2020-21.