Protests Will Intensify If Ignored: Farmers Slam Centre’s Silence on US Trade Talks

India's farming community is once again preparing for nationwide demonstrations as a prominent farmers’ organization raised alarms over an impending trade agreement between the Indian government and the United States. The umbrella body, representing thousands of farmers across states, has categorically warned the Centre that any deal perceived to undermine domestic agricultural interests will not be tolerated — and protests will escalate if their concerns are not acknowledged.

This pushback comes amid ongoing negotiations between New Delhi and Washington that many believe may lead to a comprehensive trade arrangement. The deal, according to early reports, could include provisions on agriculture, dairy imports, genetically modified crops, and seed patenting — areas that directly impact Indian farmers’ livelihoods.

The farmers’ federation, spearheading the resistance, has called for full transparency from the government and immediate consultations with all stakeholders before any final decisions are made.

The Core of the Discontent

The farmers’ coalition has alleged that the proposed agreement is being negotiated in secrecy, without taking into account the input or apprehensions of the farming community. Representatives claimed that previous experiences — particularly from global trade pacts like those related to the World Trade Organization (WTO) — have shown that such deals often tilt in favor of developed countries and corporate interests.

At the heart of the anxiety are the following key concerns:

• Import of Subsidized Produce: Farmers fear that a potential influx of subsidized US agricultural goods — such as corn, soybeans, and dairy products — would undercut Indian prices, making it impossible for domestic producers to compete.

• Seed Patenting and GM Crops: Any agreement allowing greater penetration of genetically modified (GM) seeds or foreign seed patent enforcement could strip farmers of their autonomy, they argue. Organizations are also wary of US pressure to weaken India's protectionist stance on GM food crops.

• Reduction in Agricultural Subsidies: The fear that the government may agree to reduce input subsidies, such as on fertilizers and electricity, to align with international norms is another sticking point.

These apprehensions echo those raised during the farmers’ protest in 2020–21, when thousands of farmers camped near Delhi for months, demanding the repeal of three central farm laws. Though those laws were ultimately withdrawn, the episode left deep scars — and a heightened sensitivity to any future reform attempts perceived as anti-farmer.

Farmers’ Body Demands Transparency and Dialogue

In a strongly worded press statement, the farmers’ union has accused the central government of ignoring the very people whose livelihoods stand to be directly affected.

“We will not stand by as decisions are made in closed-door meetings with foreign governments and multinational corporations,” said one union spokesperson. “Any deal that threatens our food sovereignty, seed rights, or pricing mechanisms will be met with massive resistance.”

The organization has submitted a formal memorandum to the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of Commerce, demanding:

1. A white paper on the ongoing negotiations with the US

2. A moratorium on signing any agriculture-related trade provisions without public debate

3. Consultations with state agricultural departments and farmers’ unions

4. Guarantees that India’s MSP (Minimum Support Price) regime, subsidy structures, and seed freedom will not be compromised

Rural Mobilization in the Works

The farmers’ body has already begun organizing local-level meetings in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra to educate farmers on the potential implications of the US deal. Plans are underway for a series of “Kisan Panchayats” (farmers’ councils) in rural areas, where grassroots leaders will address concerns and rally support.

If the government does not respond to their calls for dialogue, the organization has warned of a phased protest plan that could culminate in a national march to Delhi — reminiscent of the 2021 protests that gained international attention.

“In 2021, we forced the government to repeal unjust farm laws. If required, we will return with even more unity and strength,” warned a senior member of the union.

Political and Economic Implications

The timing of the controversy is critical. With Lok Sabha elections only months away, the government is already under pressure to maintain political goodwill among rural voters. The farming community — comprising a massive chunk of India’s electorate — is a key constituency for all major parties.

Experts note that while trade agreements offer long-term strategic benefits, they must be carefully balanced with domestic economic priorities. Agriculture in India employs over 40% of the population and remains a politically volatile sector.

The government, meanwhile, has refrained from commenting directly on the farmers’ statement. However, sources indicate that negotiators are walking a tightrope — seeking closer economic ties with the US while trying to avoid triggering social unrest at home.

One official familiar with the negotiations noted that the agriculture chapter of the proposed pact is still under internal review, and that India will not “compromise on core domestic concerns.” But without clear communication, such assurances may do little to pacify the anger on the ground.

Legacy of Mistrust

The government’s reluctance to involve farmer representatives in the negotiation process is adding fuel to the fire. Memories of the 2021 protests — where the government initially ignored pleas for dialogue before being forced into a climbdown — have eroded trust.

“The Centre cannot afford another miscalculation,” said a political analyst. “Farmers are watching closely, and any perceived betrayal could result in another mass movement.”

Some critics of the farmers' agitation argue that opposition parties may also be trying to capitalize on the situation by fanning discontent. Regardless of political dynamics, however, the rising agitation is already shifting the narrative from international diplomacy back to grassroots discontent — just as India seeks to position itself as a key economic partner for the West.

What Lies Ahead?

As of now, the ball is in the government’s court. The farmers have drawn a red line: no decision without consultation. The administration, facing both international pressure to seal a strategic trade deal and domestic unrest, must now find a way to balance both.

Should the deal move forward without public clarity, India may once again find its capital surrounded by thousands of farmers demanding justice — a sight the world witnessed not so long ago.

If anything, the recent warnings serve as a reminder that agricultural policy, no matter how technical or international in nature, must never lose sight of the farmer in the field. After all, in a country where food and farming are both politics and livelihood, the voice of the tiller remains as powerful as ever.