Farmers express anger against Indo-US trade deal by burning its draft copies in Mysuru

Responding to a call by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non Political), farmers gathered at Kuvempu Park near Gun House Circle in Mysuru on Sunday and burnt draft copies of the Indo-US trade deal to express their anger against the agreement.

Led by President of State Sugarcane Growers’ Association and Federation of State Farmers’ Organisations Kurubur Shanthakumar, the farmers sported black bands on their arms while raising slogans condemning the Centre’s decision to enter into an agreement they described as “death warrant” for the farmers of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shanthakumar said that the Union Government, by signing the Free Trade Agreement with the United States, has effectively signed the “death warrant” of Indian farmers. 

He said granting duty-free concessions for agricultural and dairy products imported from the United States would reduce demand for domestic agricultural produce, leading to falling prices, pushing farmers into debt, and increasing farmer suicides.

He further said that farmers in the United States receive subsidies of up to 200 per cent, whereas Indian farmers receive only about three per cent subsidy. In such circumstances, Indian farmers would find it difficult to compete and may even be forced to dump their produce on the streets due to lack of buyers. He added that the agreement would negatively impact traders and all sections of society as well.

He remarked that while the British once came to India for trade and later ruled the country, it is unfortunate that present-day people’s representatives are now acting in a way that compromises the interests of Indian farmers.

He threatened that the farmers’ protests against the trade agreement will intensify in the country if the Centre does not withdraw the deal immediately. He warned that the farmers will gherao Union Ministers and MPs if the Centre fails to withdraw the agreement with the U.S.

The farmers also raised slogans demanding withdrawal of duty concessions extended to import of agricultural products from the U.S. to protect Indian farmers.