India-US deal: Farmers to rally in K’shetra on March 23

Ambala/Chandigarh: Opposition to the proposed India–US trade agreement is intensifying, with farmer groups and civil society organisations warning of serious consequences for agriculture and the broader economy. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Charuni national president Gurnam Singh Charuni has described the deal as a "danger bell" for farmers and the common public, cautioning that it could prove even more dangerous than the now-repealed Indian farm laws 2020.Announcing a major mobilisation during a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club on Thursday, Charuni said a "Kisan-Mazdoor Jan Kranti Rally" will be held on March 23 at the grain market in Kurukshetra to protest the trade deal. He warned that if the govt fails to address farmers' concerns, the rally could see the announcement of strong decisions and a nationwide agitation. Charuni was accompanied by BKU Charuni media in-charge Rakesh Bains and Haryana state executive president Karam Singh Mathana.Concerns Over Agriculture and EconomyFarmer organisations argue that including agriculture in a free trade agreement with the United States could severely impact Indian farmers, particularly smallholders. Charuni stated that Indian farmers would struggle to compete with heavily subsidised American agriculture, potentially pushing the sector into crisis. He further alleged that the agreement could have far-reaching implications beyond farming, affecting food security, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, and govt procurement policies. There are also concerns about increased influence of multinational corporations over Indian agriculture.Farmer leaders have appealed to the public to raise awareness and join the movement against the agreement. Charuni asserted that the issue goes beyond agriculture and concerns the country's economic sovereignty and public welfare. "If the govt fails to act, this could take the shape of a mass movement," he said, adding that protecting farmers' rights and livelihoods is the govt's responsibility.Key Concerns Highlighted• Cheap Imports Threatening Local Markets: Due to high subsidies in the US, products such as wheat, maize, soybeans, and dairy items could enter India at lower prices, forcing Indian farmers to sell their produce at reduced rates.• Impact on Dairy Sector: India's dairy industry, linked to nearly 80 million families, may face intense competition from imported products. • Corporate Control Over Agriculture: The deal could strengthen multinational companies' hold over seeds, pesticides, and agri-technology, increasing input costs for farmers. • Pressure on Policies: Charuni alleged that international pressure could mount on India to dilute key policies such as MSP and food security measures."Hard to Reverse" AgreementCharuni emphasised that while domestic laws can be repealed—as seen with the 2020 farm laws—international trade agreements are far more difficult to amend or withdraw from once signed. "If agriculture is opened under this deal, reversing it will not be easy," he warned.Farmers' DemandsFarmer unions, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), have put forward several demands:• Immediate cancellation of the proposed trade deal • Legal guarantee of MSP and farm loan waivers • Free education and healthcare services • Withdrawal of proposed seed and electricity amendment bills • Strict action and a CBI probe into the paddy procurement scam • Bonus of Rs 150 per quintal on wheat, similar to the model in RajasthanEnds MSID:: 129680687 413 |