Terming the proposed India-US trade deal a “death warrant” for the country’s farmers, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni on Monday warned the Centre of a massive agitation if farmers’ interests were not safeguarded.

Addressing the ‘Kisan Mazdoor Jan Kranti Rally’ virtually due to a recent hip fracture, Charuni said, “The US trade deal will ruin the agriculture sector of India. The farmers are already struggling to get the MSP. Though the government announces MSP, the farmers are forced to sell their produce below the MSP. The government is yet to sign the deal and the signing of deal will be like signing the death warrant for farmers. The grain markets will be closed and the entire agriculture sector will be operated by corporate houses.”

He added that he had planned to launch a Delhi march and intensify the agitation, but his injury had forced a temporary pause. “I wanted to start a Delhi March today, launch a massive agitation and reach Parliament, but I suffered a hip fracture a couple of days ago, and it will take time to recover. However, by reaching in large numbers, the farmers have shown their power,” he said.

Issuing a warning, Charuni said, “The farmers will not let the government sign this deal, and sacrifice their lives to protect the agriculture sector of this country. If the deal is signed, the farmers will not let the BJP leaders enter their villages and they will be given the right treatment.”

Farmers from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand gathered at the Pipli Grain Market in Kurukshetra to protest against the proposed deal. Along with opposing the trade pact, they reiterated long-pending demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support price, farm loan waivers, better compensation for crop losses, amendments to the Land Acquisition Act, improvements in the crop insurance scheme, withdrawal of cases registered during the farmers’ protests and action against those involved in the paddy procurement scam in Haryana.

Union leaders accused the BJP government of compromising farmers’ interests under external pressure.

BKU (Charuni) spokesperson Rakesh Bains said, “The district administration has assured that a meeting has been fixed with the Chief Minister for April 2 to discuss the issue related to the trade deal, and other issues… If the assurance is not honoured, the union will launch a massive agitation.”

Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said, “The issue of trade deal is related to the Central Government… Appropriate action is being taken against the officials involved in irregularities in paddy procurement.”