SKM Welcomes Wider Farmer Mobilisation Against India-US FTA, Applauds Growing Unity

New Delhi: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has welcomed what it described as growing unity among farmers’ organisations opposing the proposed India–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), while reiterating its warning to the Union government against moving ahead with the pact.

In a statement, the farmers’ platform said discussions held among various kisan organisations in Chandigarh on June 25 had resulted in a broader understanding to jointly resist the proposed trade agreement, which SKM said would adversely affect small producers, weaken the domestic economy and increase dependence on a global trade system driven by large corporate interests.

Calling the emerging coordination among farmer groups a significant development, SKM said it supports issue-based unity among organisations resisting what it termed anti-farmer and anti-people policies of the Centre.

The organisation urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to proceed with signing the agreement, describing the proposed India–US FTA as a policy framework that could undermine economic sovereignty and deepen challenges for the agricultural sector.

SKM announced that if the agreement is signed, it would call for coordinated protest actions across the country beginning the following day. The nature and location of these protests would be decided by state-level committees and participating organisations.

The farmers’ body also reiterated its earlier call to observe August 10, 2026 as a nationwide protest day, linking it to the historical significance of Quit India Day observed on August 9. The planned mobilisation may include forms of agitation such as Rail Roko, Rasta Roko and Jail Bharo programmes.

Apart from opposition to trade agreements, SKM said the campaign would continue around demands including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price based on the C2+50% formula, assured procurement mechanisms and a comprehensive farm loan waiver.

According to SKM, the expanding support for coordinated action reflects increasing dissatisfaction within the agrarian sector over agricultural policies and unresolved farmer demands.