Farmer Leaders Raise Alarm Over India-US Trade Deal, Threaten Nationwide Protests
Farmer organizations in Maharashtra have issued a stern warning, threatening mass protests if the Central government proceeds with a proposed India-US trade deal that permits unrestricted import of agricultural products. The leaders argue that such a move would betray Indian farmers by flooding the market with competitively priced goods from the United States, jeopardizing local livelihoods.
Letter to PMO Highlights Concerns of Betrayal
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister's Office, Raju Shetti, president of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, expressed grave concerns. "We have been informed that India and the US have signed a $500 billion trade deal which allows import of agricultural products at zero interest. If taken forward, the deal will be a betrayal of Indian farmers," Shetti wrote. He emphasized that imports like soybean, corn, and milk products from the US could overwhelm domestic markets, putting farmers at a severe disadvantage.
Disparities in Agricultural Productivity and Support
Shetti detailed the stark productivity gaps between Indian and US farmers to illustrate the lack of a level playing field. "A soybean farmer in the US produces 35 to 40 quintals per hectare, compared to 10 to 15 quintals per hectare in India. Similarly, in cotton, US yields are 40 to 49 quintals per hectare versus India's 8 to 15 quintals," he explained. He added that US imports would be interest-free, while Indian exports face an 18% interest rate, further skewing competition.
Vijay Jawandhia, a Vidarbha-based farmer leader, highlighted the absence of protective measures like a "livelihood box" in international trade agreements, as recommended by noted agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan. "Developing nations, including India, have failed to push for such mechanisms to safeguard small and marginal farmers," Jawandhia stated. He also pointed out that the minimum support price (MSP) recommended by Swaminathan remains largely unimplemented, with farmers often selling crops below MSP rates.
Threats to Vulnerable Regions and Calls for Action
Farmer activist Kishore Tiwari warned of dire consequences, particularly in Vidarbha and Marathwada, regions with high rates of farm suicides. "Soybean and cotton are main cash crops here. Unrestricted imports could push farmers deeper into debt and distress," Tiwari said. He noted that Maharashtra sees 4,000 to 4,500 farmer deaths annually due to agricultural crises, with most cases in these underdeveloped areas.
Tiwari criticized reliance on one-time financial packages, such as loan waivers, as insufficient. "Sustained support in logistics and finances is needed," he argued. Jawandhia echoed this, contrasting US subsidies with India's approach: "US farmers receive massive subsidies despite advanced technology, while our government curtails support, as seen in the fertilizer sector." He questioned why allowances under schemes like PMKSY have not increased since 2019.
Demands for Government Intervention and Unity
Shetti vowed to mobilize farmers across Maharashtra and the country if the government fails to protect the agriculture sector. "We will take to the streets. Farmer groups must unite for this cause," he declared. The leaders collectively urged the government to reconsider the trade deal, implement MSP effectively, and advocate for fair trade practices at international forums like the WTO to prevent what they see as an impending disaster for Indian agriculture.
