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 the government’s policies and decisions being closely watched by farmers, economists, and the general public. Recently, 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 government’s announcement of an interim trade deal with the United States, which the farmers’ organizations claim is a “total surrender” of India’s agriculture and farmers to American MNCs.
The SKM, which is an umbrella body of farmers’ organizations, has been at the forefront of the protests against the government’s policies, including the now-repealed farm laws. The organization has been demanding that the government should prioritize the interests of Indian farmers and ensure that they are protected from the onslaught of foreign corporations. The India-US trade deal, which was announced recently, has been seen as a major threat to the interests of Indian farmers, and the SKM has decided to take to the streets to protest against it.
The protests, which will be held on February 12, will be a nationwide effort, with farmers and their organizations participating from all over the country. The SKM has called upon all farmers, agricultural workers, and other stakeholders to join the protests and make their voices heard. The organization has also demanded that the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, should resign over the matter, citing his failure to protect the interests of Indian farmers.
The India-US trade deal has been a topic of controversy, with many experts and stakeholders expressing concerns about its impact on the Indian economy and the agricultural sector. The deal, which is seen as a major concession to the United States, has been criticized for its potential to harm Indian farmers and the domestic agricultural industry. The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have argued that the deal will allow American MNCs to dominate the Indian market, leading to a decline in the incomes of Indian farmers and a loss of livelihoods for millions of people engaged in the agricultural sector.
One of the main concerns of the farmers’ organizations is that the India-US trade deal will lead to the import of cheap agricultural products from the United States, which will flood the Indian market and lead to a decline in the prices of domestic agricultural products. This, in turn, will lead to a decline in the incomes of Indian farmers, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods. The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have argued that the government should prioritize the interests of Indian farmers and ensure that they are protected from the negative impacts of the trade deal.
Another concern of the farmers’ organizations is that the India-US trade deal will lead to the domination of American MNCs in the Indian agricultural sector. The deal, which allows for the import of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs from the United States, will give American corporations a significant advantage over Indian companies. This, in turn, will lead to a decline in the competitiveness of Indian agriculture and a loss of livelihoods for millions of people engaged in the sector.
The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have also criticized the government for its failure to consult with stakeholders before signing the trade deal. The organization has argued that the government should have consulted with farmers, agricultural workers, and other stakeholders before taking such a major decision. The lack of consultation has been seen as a major flaw in the government’s approach, and the SKM has demanded that the government should reconsider the deal and engage in a broader consultation process.
The nationwide protests on February 12 will be an important event, as they will bring attention to the concerns of Indian farmers and the potential impacts of the India-US trade deal. The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have called upon all stakeholders to join the protests and make their voices heard. The protests will be a significant test of the government’s commitment to the interests of Indian farmers and the agricultural sector, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the farmers’ organizations.
In conclusion, the India-US trade deal has been a topic of controversy, with many stakeholders expressing concerns about its impact on the Indian economy and the agricultural sector. The SKM and other farmers’ organizations have announced plans to stage nationwide protests on February 12, citing the deal as a “total surrender” of India’s agriculture and farmers to American MNCs. The protests will be an important event, as they will bring attention to the concerns of Indian farmers and the potential impacts of the trade deal. The government should take the concerns of the farmers’ organizations seriously and engage in a broader consultation process to address their concerns.
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