Farmers protesting against the proposed India-US trade agreement have set an August 29 deadline for the Centre to address their concerns. Farmer groups have warned that they could expand their agitation nationwide if their demands are not addressed.
Protesting farmers have been gathering at border points in Punjab, including the Khanauri-Datta Singhwala area, while seeking permission to march towards Delhi. Their concerns focus particularly on the possible impact of greater access for US agricultural products on Indian farmers and rural incomes.
The India-US trade relationship has been a major point of concern for farm organisations this year. Reuters reported in February that farmer unions and opposition parties had called for nationwide protests over the trade framework, arguing that increased imports of subsidised US agricultural products could put pressure on domestic prices. The government, however, has maintained that key agricultural interests are protected under the framework.
Farmers opposing the agreement have also raised concerns about the broader impact on agricultural workers, livestock rearers and small businesses dependent on the rural economy. Similar objections were raised during protests reported in Punjab in June, when farmers demonstrated against the US trade deal and fertilizer shortages.
Farmer leaders are now considering further mobilisation if their concerns remain unresolved. The proposed escalation could include wider protests and a large farmers’ gathering, with the next course of action expected to be discussed by farmer organisations.
The dispute comes amid continuing uncertainty over India-US trade negotiations. Earlier reports indicated that discussions between the two countries had faced difficulties over tariffs and market access, with agriculture remaining an important area of disagreement. India has repeatedly maintained that its farmers’ interests must be protected in any trade agreement.
The farmers’ deadline therefore puts additional focus on the government’s approach to agricultural safeguards and the future of the India-US trade negotiations. Farmer organisations are expected to decide their next steps based on the Centre’s response before August 29.
