Farmers burn effigies of Modi, Trump in protest against proposed free trade agreement

As part of a nationwide call by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), farmers in Faridkot burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, opposing the proposed India-US free trade agreement.

Protesters warned that allowing duty-free import of US farm produce such as wheat, maize, poultry, fresh and dry fruits would devastate Indian agriculture, where 44 per cent of the population still depends on farming. They said that US farmers, backed by vast land holdings and heavy subsidies, would outcompete Indian farmers, most of whom own less than three acres on average.

It was highlighted that removing the current 40 per cent tariff on US agricultural imports would flood the Indian market with cheaper produce, undercutting local prices. Citing examples, they noted the US recently sold wheat to Europe at rates far below India’s MSP of ₹2,425 per quintal.

The SKM stressed that 75 crore Indians rely on agriculture, and small and medium farmers would be the worst hit by such a deal. Leaders vowed to continue their struggle until the proposed agreement is scrapped.

The protest was addressed by Kirti Kisan Union general secretary Rajinder Singh Deep Singh Wala, district president Rajinder Singh Kingra, block president Gurmeet Singh Sangrahur, BKU Lakhowal’s Simarjeet Ghudduwala and BKU Qadian’s Shingara Singh Kauni.