Groups including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) have sharply criticised the trade framework, claiming it could adversely affect Indian agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Farmer organisations across India have announced a nationwide protest on February 12, intensifying tensions between agricultural unions and the union government over the proposals contained in the interim trade agreement between India and the United States. The agitation, supported by several major farmer bodies, is expected to see demonstrations in multiple states and could coincide with a broader nationwide strike led by trade unions.

Groups including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) have sharply criticised the trade framework, claiming it could adversely affect Indian agriculture and rural livelihoods. Leaders have described the agreement as a “total surrender” of domestic farming interests to foreign multinational corporations and warned of large-scale mobilisations if their concerns are not addressed.

The protests come at a time when the governments of India and the United States have outlined plans to expand bilateral trade by lowering tariffs on several categories of goods. While officials have said sensitive agricultural sectors will remain protected, farmers’ groups argue that the agreement may still open the door to increased imports that could threaten domestic markets.

Call for Bharat Bandh and Nationwide Mobilisation

Farmer unions have called for a pan-India mobilisation on February 12, with many organisations supporting a nationwide Bharat Bandh alongside central trade unions. The bandh is intended to highlight opposition not only to the trade agreement but also to broader economic and labour policies affecting agriculture and rural workers.

Organisers have urged farmers, agricultural labourers, and allied worker groups across states to participate in demonstrations, marches, and local protest gatherings. Authorities are monitoring preparations as expectations grow for large-scale participation in both rural and urban areas.

The SKM has formally backed the February 12 general strike called by central trade unions, which are also protesting labour codes, privatisation policies, and proposed legislative changes affecting employment and rural welfare schemes.

In addition to mass gatherings, some farmer leaders have announced symbolic protests, including effigy burnings, to draw attention to their opposition to the trade deal and what they perceive as government concessions to foreign economic interests.

Concerns Over Impact on Agriculture and Rural Economy

Farmer organisations contend that tariff reductions under the proposed agreement could allow foreign agricultural products to enter Indian markets at lower prices, undermining domestic producers. They argue that small and marginal farmers would be particularly vulnerable if imported goods gain competitive advantage over locally grown produce.

Leaders have also raised concerns that the agreement includes provisions for increased access to the Indian market for items such as animal feed products, soybean oil, fruits, and other agricultural commodities. According to union representatives, such measures could negatively affect sectors including dairy and allied industries that already face economic pressures.

Some farmer groups have accused the government of contradicting earlier assurances that agriculture and dairy would remain insulated from free trade agreements. They have warned that opening Indian markets to imported farm goods could lead to reduced prices for domestic produce and deepen existing debt burdens among cultivators.

The protests also reflect wider anxieties among agricultural communities about the long-term impact of international trade deals on food security, pricing, and rural employment. Organisers have called for a broader public debate in Parliament on the implications of the agreement.

Political and Economic Stakes

The February 12 demonstrations are expected to carry political significance, as farmer unions seek to build a unified front across states and sectors. By aligning with trade unions and other worker organisations, the protests aim to amplify pressure on policymakers to reconsider the trade framework.

Farmer leaders have demanded the resignation of commerce minister Piyush Goyal over the proposed agreement, alleging that government negotiators have compromised the country’s agricultural interests.

The government, however, maintains that the interim trade arrangement is designed to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation while safeguarding sensitive domestic sectors. Officials have emphasised that any tariff reductions are selective and intended to enhance market access without harming core agricultural production.

The agreement itself is part of broader efforts to expand economic ties between India and the United States by reducing duties on certain industrial and agricultural goods and increasing trade volumes in the coming years.

Participation From Diverse Farming Communities

Farmer participation in the February 12 mobilisation is expected to come from multiple regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Apple growers in Himachal have already indicated plans to join protests, warning that reduced import duties could threaten local orchard produce.

Major farmer unions have appealed to political parties, agricultural workers’ associations, and civil society groups to support the demonstrations, signalling the possibility of widespread participation similar to previous nationwide agrarian movements.

The mobilisation underscores continuing unrest within sections of the farming community over policy decisions affecting agricultural markets, trade liberalisation, and rural livelihoods. Organisers say the February 12 action is intended to send a strong message that future negotiations must prioritise domestic producers’ interests.

Outlook and Possible Developments

Authorities are preparing for disruptions in transportation and public services in some areas if the bandh draws significant turnout. While the scale of participation remains uncertain, analysts expect the protests to test the government’s ability to balance trade diplomacy with domestic political sensitivities.

Farmer organisations have indicated that the February 12 protest could mark the beginning of a sustained campaign if their demands are not met or if the trade agreement proceeds without further consultation.