Farmer unions across India have warned of large-scale protests if the proposed India–US trade agreement allows agricultural or dairy imports that could adversely impact domestic producers.
The umbrella body Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) said that opening Indian markets to American farm or dairy products could trigger unrest similar to the nationwide farmers’ movement of 2020–21.
Concerns Over Market Access
SKM leaders argue that American agriculture, backed by substantial subsidies and operating at large scale, cannot be compared with India’s predominantly smallholder farming structure. They point out that while the U.S. has around eight lakh farmers, India has crores of small and marginal farmers who depend heavily on Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanisms and protective trade policies.
According to the unions, allowing large-scale imports of US farm produce could:
- Undercut domestic crop prices
- Destabilise farmer incomes
- Threaten rural employment
- Affect food security
They also claim that subsidised US agricultural goods could be “dumped” into the Indian market at competitive prices, putting pressure on local producers.
Dispute Over Official Assurances
The unions have questioned statements made by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who has maintained that agriculture and dairy sectors have been protected under the agreement.
Read More: Agricultural, Dairy Sectors Protected in India–U.S. Trade Deal: Piyush Goyal Tells Parliament
SKM leaders cited remarks by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins about expanding American agricultural exports to India, alleging that such comments contradict the government’s assurances that sensitive sectors are excluded from the pact.
Protest Plans Announced
In response, SKM and allied farmer organisations have announced a one-day protest in Punjab targeting the state government and legislators. They have also signalled the possibility of wider mobilisation if the final trade agreement includes provisions granting market access to US agricultural or dairy products.
Union leaders have demanded that the full text of the agreement be made public and have said protests will intensify unless agriculture and dairy sectors are unequivocally safeguarded.
Political and Economic Tensions
The farmers’ warning comes amid broader political debate over the trade deal, with opposition parties and regional leaders raising concerns about transparency and the potential impact on rural livelihoods.
While the government continues to assert that sensitive sectors remain shielded, farmer groups have made it clear that any perceived dilution of protections for agriculture and dairy could lead to renewed agitation at the national level.
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