Farmers to hold nationwide protests over India-US trade deal on Feb 12
The agricultural sector in India has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now, with farmers across the country facing numerous challenges and struggles. In a recent development, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), along with several other farmers’ organizations, have announced plans to stage nationwide protests on February 12 against the India-US trade deal. This decision comes after the Indian government signed an interim trade deal with the United States, which has been met with widespread criticism and opposition from the farming community.
The SKM, a coalition of farmers’ organizations, has claimed that the interim deal is a “total surrender” of India’s agriculture and farmers to American MNCs. The organization has expressed concerns that the deal will have far-reaching consequences for the Indian agricultural sector, including the flooding of the domestic market with cheap American imports, which will lead to a decline in the prices of Indian farm produce. This, in turn, will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.
The SKM has also demanded the resignation of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who has been at the forefront of negotiating the trade deal with the US. The organization has accused Goyal of betraying the interests of Indian farmers and compromising the country’s agricultural sovereignty. The protests on February 12 are expected to be widespread, with farmers from all over the country participating in rallies, demonstrations, and other forms of protest.
The India-US trade deal has been a topic of controversy for some time now, with many experts and stakeholders expressing concerns about its potential impact on the Indian economy and the agricultural sector. The deal is expected to increase trade between the two countries, but many farmers and farmers’ organizations are worried that it will lead to an influx of cheap American imports, which will undermine the domestic agricultural sector.
One of the main concerns of the farmers is that the deal will allow American companies to dump their products in the Indian market, which will lead to a decline in prices and a loss of livelihood for Indian farmers. The farmers are also worried that the deal will lead to the introduction of genetically modified crops, which will have a devastating impact on the environment and human health.
The protests on February 12 are expected to be a major show of strength for the farming community, with thousands of farmers from all over the country participating in the demonstrations. The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have called upon all farmers, agricultural workers, and other stakeholders to join the protests and express their opposition to the India-US trade deal.
The Indian government has been trying to persuade the farmers to accept the deal, arguing that it will increase trade and economic growth. However, the farmers are not convinced, and they are determined to fight against the deal, which they see as a threat to their livelihoods and the future of Indian agriculture.
The protests on February 12 will be an important milestone in the struggle of Indian farmers against the India-US trade deal. The farmers are determined to make their voices heard and to protect their interests, and they will not back down until their demands are met. The Indian government will have to take the concerns of the farmers seriously and address their grievances if it wants to avoid a major crisis in the agricultural sector.
In conclusion, the nationwide protests on February 12 will be a major event in the struggle of Indian farmers against the India-US trade deal. The farmers are determined to fight against the deal, which they see as a threat to their livelihoods and the future of Indian agriculture. The Indian government will have to take the concerns of the farmers seriously and address their grievances if it wants to avoid a major crisis in the agricultural sector.
The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met, and they will continue to fight for the rights and interests of Indian farmers. The protests on February 12 will be an important show of strength for the farming community, and they will demonstrate the determination and resilience of Indian farmers in the face of adversity.
As the protests approach, the Indian government will have to take a hard look at the concerns of the farmers and address their grievances. The government will have to ensure that the interests of Indian farmers are protected and that the agricultural sector is not compromised by the trade deal. The fate of Indian agriculture and the livelihoods of millions of farmers depend on it.
For more information, visit: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/farmer-outfits-slam-india-us-trade-deal-call-for-nationwide-protests-on-february-12-10520116/lite/
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