Farmers to hold nationwide protests over India-US trade deal on Feb 12
The agricultural sector in India has been a topic of concern for the government, farmers, and the general public for a long time. The recent India-US trade deal has sparked controversy among farmers’ organizations, who claim that it will have a devastating impact on the country’s agriculture and farming community. In response to this, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), and several other farmers’ organizations have announced plans to stage nationwide protests on February 12 against the trade deal.
The SKM, a coalition of farmers’ organizations, has been vocal about its opposition to the trade deal, claiming that it is a “total surrender” of India’s agriculture and farmers to American multinational corporations (MNCs). The organization has accused the government of compromising the interests of Indian farmers and bowing down to the pressure from the US. The SKM has also demanded the resignation of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who has been instrumental in negotiating the trade deal.
The India-US trade deal, which was announced recently, aims to increase trade between the two countries and reduce tariffs on certain goods. However, farmers’ organizations claim that the deal will allow American MNCs to dump their products in the Indian market, thereby threatening the livelihood of Indian farmers. They also claim that the deal will lead to the exploitation of Indian farmers by American corporations, who will be able to dictate prices and terms of trade.
The AIKS, another prominent farmers’ organization, has also expressed its opposition to the trade deal. The organization has claimed that the deal will lead to the destruction of India’s agriculture and will have a devastating impact on the country’s food security. The AIKS has also accused the government of ignoring the concerns of farmers and not consulting them before negotiating the trade deal.
The nationwide protests on February 12 will be a culmination of the growing discontent among farmers’ organizations and the general public over the trade deal. The protests will be held in various cities and towns across the country, with farmers, activists, and supporters participating in large numbers. The protests will also be an opportunity for farmers’ organizations to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the government to reconsider the trade deal.
The SKM has claimed that the protests will be peaceful and will be held in a democratic manner. The organization has also appealed to the general public to participate in the protests and show their support for the farmers’ cause. The SKM has also warned the government that if their demands are not met, they will be forced to intensify their agitation and take more drastic measures.
The India-US trade deal has been a topic of controversy for a long time, with many experts and critics claiming that it will have a negative impact on India’s agriculture and economy. The deal has been negotiated in secret, with little transparency and consultation with stakeholders. The government has claimed that the deal will increase trade and investment between the two countries, but critics argue that it will only benefit American corporations and hurt Indian farmers.
The protests on February 12 will be an important milestone in the ongoing struggle of farmers’ organizations against the trade deal. The protests will be a testament to the growing discontent and frustration among farmers and the general public over the government’s policies and actions. The protests will also be an opportunity for farmers’ organizations to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the government to reconsider the trade deal and prioritize the interests of Indian farmers.
In conclusion, the nationwide protests on February 12 against the India-US trade deal will be an important event in the ongoing struggle of farmers’ organizations to protect the interests of Indian farmers. The protests will be a culmination of the growing discontent and frustration among farmers and the general public over the government’s policies and actions. The SKM, AIKS, and other farmers’ organizations have claimed that the trade deal is a “total surrender” of India’s agriculture and farmers to American MNCs, and have demanded the resignation of Union Minister Piyush Goyal. The protests will be an opportunity for farmers’ organizations to mobilize public opinion and put pressure on the government to reconsider the trade deal and prioritize the interests of Indian farmers.
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