Farmers' Organizations Condemn India-US Trade Agreement, Call for Nationwide Demonstrations
A coalition of prominent farmers' organizations, including the Sayunk Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political splinter faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), has launched a scathing critique of the recently announced India-US trade deal. The groups have declared plans for widespread protests across the country next week, denouncing the agreement as a complete capitulation of Indian agriculture to American corporate interests.
Allegations of "Total Surrender" and Demands for Resignation
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, shortly after the joint statement from both nations was made public, the farmers' collectives asserted that the proposed interim trade agreement framework represents a "total surrender" of India's agricultural sovereignty to multinational corporations based in the United States. The statement went further by demanding the immediate resignation of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, accusing him of betraying the farming community.
Key Terms of the Controversial Trade Deal
Under the terms outlined in the interim trade agreement, India has committed to eliminating or significantly reducing tariffs on all industrial goods imported from the United States, as well as on a range of food and agricultural products. In a reciprocal move, the United States will apply a tariff rate of 18 percent on various Indian exports, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, and specific machinery categories.
These details were disclosed following an announcement by US President Donald Trump earlier in the week, where he confirmed the trade deal with India and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to cease purchases of Russian oil.
Nationwide Protests Scheduled for February 12
During an online press conference held on Saturday, leaders from the Sayunk Kisan Morcha revealed that protests would be organized in villages and towns throughout India. As part of these demonstrations, effigies of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are slated to be burned. The SKM has also expressed its solidarity with the general strike called for February 12.
Krishna Prasad, a leader of the All India Kisan Sabha, highlighted the potential deep-seated impact of the trade deal on the agriculture sector. He warned that opening the market to American products such as dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, and soybean oil could severely affect Indian farmers. Prasad also raised concerns about adverse consequences for the dairy industry, arguing that agreements with the US and the European Union are designed to bolster their "stagnant" economies at India's expense.
Voices from the Ground: Farmers Express Outrage and Anxiety
Activist Sunilam emphasized the need for a parliamentary debate on the issue, calling for greater transparency and democratic scrutiny. Darshan Pal, a leader of the Krantikari Kisan Union in Punjab, stated that members of his organization would participate in burning effigies of Trump and Modi. He expressed fears that the deal would exacerbate the financial struggles of farmers already grappling with low incomes and mounting debt.
Rakesh Tikait, a prominent figure from the Bhartiya Kisan Union, reported that villagers are increasingly questioning how these trade agreements will impact their livelihoods. He urged farmers to join the upcoming protests, framing the issue as a critical battle for their survival and dignity.
SKM's Stern Rebuttal to Government Assurances
The SKM's statement directly contradicted assurances provided by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who had earlier reassured farmers that their interests would be safeguarded. Goyal maintained that key red lines established by New Delhi had not been crossed, with no concessions made in sensitive areas such as grains, spices, dairy, poultry, meat, and various fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, oranges, and strawberries.
However, the SKM dismissed these claims, accusing Goyal of "consciously propagating falsehood" and betraying both farmers and the general populace. The organization labeled the commerce minister's role as "traitorous" and reiterated its demand for his immediate resignation. Additionally, the SKM called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from signing the India-US Free Trade Agreement, threatening "massive pan-India united mass struggles" if he proceeds.
Broad Coalition of Support for the February 12 Strike
The Sayunk Kisan Morcha has issued an appeal to all political parties, farmers' and agricultural workers' organizations, trade unions, and various mass and class organizations to join the protest demonstrations scheduled for the February 12 general strike. This call for unity underscores the widespread discontent with the trade deal and related labor code impositions.
In a separate statement, the SKM (Non-Political) faction announced its intention to convene a meeting soon to plan large-scale protests against the India-US free trade agreement. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal pointed out a contradiction between Goyal's tweets promising protection for agriculture and the dairy sector and the joint statement's indication that India has agreed to discuss and resolve non-tariff barriers on US agricultural and food products.
Economic Context and Expert Analysis
Data reveals that between January and November 2025, during the negotiation period with Washington, Indian imports of American agricultural goods surged by 34 percent year-on-year, reaching nearly $2.9 billion. Major imports included cotton, soybean oil, ethanol, and nuts such as almonds. This increase occurred even prior to the formalization of the trade deal, partly attributable to India's earlier tariff reductions on some of these US items.
Experts have cautioned that further duty reductions on products like soybean oil, as mentioned in the joint statement, are likely to trigger a significant rise in imports from the United States, potentially undermining domestic agricultural markets and farmer incomes.
The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions (CTUs), along with sectoral federations and associations, has also announced a one-day general strike on February 12. This action is directed against the imposition of new labor codes and the controversial trade deals, highlighting the multifaceted opposition to the government's economic policies.
