Many farmer groups across India are protesting against the new India‑US trade agreement because they believe it could hurt farmers’ incomes and small agricultural businesses. Farmers worry that if American farm products enter India with lower tariffs or no tariffs, cheap imports could flood the market. U.S. farm products such as animal feed, soybean oil, dried grains, and other agricultural goods are likely to be cheaper because American farmers receive large government subsidies and have more advanced farming technology. Indian farmers, who mostly work on small farms and do not have modern machinery, fear they won’t be able to compete. They say this could reduce demand for Indian crops and push crop prices down, affecting their earnings and livelihoods. Many farmers have said this deal could be like repeating the 2010‑11 protests, and they have organised nationwide strikes and demonstrations to oppose it.

Government’s position and farmer reactions

The central government has maintained that sensitive agricultural products like wheat, rice, dairy, and other key crops are excluded from the agreement and that the pact will mainly reduce tariffs in other sectors. It also emphasises potential gains for Indian exports in sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, and pharma thanks to lower U.S. tariffs. However, many farmer unions and political parties argue that the deal still threatens agriculture and food security because exact details are not clearly explained, and they fear hidden market access for U.S. agricultural products in the future. Farmer leaders have submitted memorandums to the government, warning of negative economic impact if agricultural and dairy imports expand under this deal.

In summary, farmers are striking because they fear cheaper U.S. imports could undercut Indian farm produce prices, threatening small farmers’ survival and income—even though the government says core agricultural sectors remain protected in the deal.