“Trade Deal Is Surrender to U.S. Corporates,” Says Samyukt Kisan Morcha

The farmers allege that tariff cuts on U.S. agricultural imports — especially apples, cotton and other sensitive crops — threaten to undermine domestic livelihoods.

Top Summary

What happened: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha accused the Centre of surrendering to U.S. corporate interests in the new India–U.S. trade agreement.

Why it matters now: SKM claims tariff reductions will critically hit Indian farmers and has demanded Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal resign.

What changes for people: Apple, cotton, dairy, and grain farmers fear heavy losses if cheaper U.S. imports flood the market.

Who is affected: Farmers across India, U.S. exporters, agricultural cooperatives, and the government under Narendra Modi.

Farmer unions escalated their opposition, declaring that the agreement prioritises U.S. interests at the cost of India’s agricultural backbone. They warned that the deal could mirror the economic distress sparked by previous tariff relaxations.

SKM’s charges: “A blow to Indian farmers”

SKM leaders argue the trade pact will:

Slash import duties on U.S. apples, almonds, cotton and soybean products

Undercut domestic MSP-linked produce

Threaten the sustainability of hill farmers, cotton-growing belts and horticulture sectors

Strengthen U.S. agribusiness dominance in India

They called the move “anti-farmer” and “economically suicidal” for vulnerable agricultural regions.

Demand for Piyush Goyal’s resignation

The unions allege:

Lack of transparency in negotiations

No consultations with farm bodies

Ignoring earlier assurances given during the 2021 farmer protests

SKM insists that Goyal stepping down is “non-negotiable” if the government wishes to restore trust.

Call to the Prime Minister: Roll back or face nationwide agitation

The unions warned PM Modi that:

The agreement must be paused immediately

A broad consultation with farmer groups is essential

Failure to respond will result in coordinated protests across India

SKM has already begun mobilising district-level committees for preparedness.

Why the trade deal is controversial

Analysts note that U.S. agricultural firms have long sought deeper access to India’s market.

Key concerns include:

India’s smallholders being unable to match U.S. subsidies

Possible long-term dependence on foreign supply chains

Local horticulture economies — especially Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh — facing price crashes

Risk of agrarian distress spreading to cotton belts in Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat

The government maintains the deal will lower inflation and promote healthy competition, but unions remain unconvinced.