Farmers from 21 States Submit Memorandum to PMO, Warn Against Indo-US Trade Deal
In a significant move, Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan (RKMS) national convenor VM Singh, representing farmers from 21 states, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday. The document expresses grave concerns over the Indo-US Trade deal, with Singh warning against a potential "East India company-like situation in the country." This action highlights growing farmer unrest regarding international trade agreements that could affect domestic agriculture.
Serious Impact on Indian Farmers and Dairy Producers
Speaking on behalf of thousands of farmers associated with the RKMS, Singh emphasized that importing American agricultural and dairy products would severely impact Indian farmers. He argued that such imports would undermine their ability to secure remunerative prices for their produce, threatening their economic stability. Singh, a former MLA from Pilibhit's Puranpur segment, stated that the protest aims to safeguard the interests of the country's 87% farmers, who are categorized as marginal or depend on milk production earnings.
"If American agrarian and milk products are flooded into Indian markets, the survival of these people will become very difficult," Singh told TOI, underscoring the dire consequences he foresees. He explained that the influx of cheaper foreign products could destabilize local markets, making it challenging for small-scale farmers to compete and sustain their livelihoods.
Planned Protests and Farmer Convention
According to Singh, the first phase of the protest involves farmers across Uttar Pradesh submitting copies of the memorandum to their respective District Magistrates on Monday. This coordinated effort is designed to amplify their message at the local level. Additionally, a farmers' convention is scheduled to be held in Lucknow on March 22, where participants will gather to oppose the trade deal and discuss strategies to protect their interests.
Echoing Singh's concerns, Chaudhary Rishipal Ambawata, national president of Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ambawata), added his voice to the opposition. "The one-sided surrender of the Indian government to this diktat will destroy the farming sector in the long run," Ambawata warned, suggesting that the deal could lead to unfavorable terms for Indian agriculture. His statement reinforces the broader farmer sentiment that the trade agreement might prioritize foreign interests over domestic welfare.
Broader Implications for Agriculture and Economy
The memorandum and associated protests reflect deeper anxieties within the farming community about globalization and trade liberalization. Farmers fear that without adequate safeguards, the Indo-US deal could replicate historical exploitative scenarios, akin to the East India Company's impact. This comparison underscores their belief that unchecked imports could erode India's agricultural self-sufficiency and economic sovereignty.
As the government navigates international trade negotiations, the voices of farmers from 21 states serve as a crucial reminder of the need to balance economic growth with the protection of vulnerable sectors. The upcoming convention in Lucknow is expected to further mobilize opposition and shape future actions against the trade deal.
