Indian agriculture should be kept out free trade agreement with U.S. or other countries: SKM leaders

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders called for a successful all-India strike on July 9, reiterating their demand for the immediate withdrawal of the National Policy Framework for Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM).

The SKM and the trade unions have launched a joint nationwide program to protest against the anti-farmer, anti-labour, and anti-people policies of the Modi government.

Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Thursday (July 3, 2025), former MP Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao and other SKM leaders warned that Indian agriculture should be kept out of any free trade agreement with the US or other countries. The leaders criticized the Modi government for not legalizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Mr. Rao alleged that the government’s policies have been detrimental to farmers and workers. “The rights granted to tribals in the Constitution have been violated, and amendments have been made to the Forest Conservation Act, resulting in the killing of hundreds of tribals in the name of ‘Operation Kagar’ and the handing over of forest wealth to crony capitalists,” he said.

The SKM leaders appealed to the people to make the July 9 all-India strike and nationwide protest a success. “We urge everyone to join us in protesting against the anti-farmer, anti-labour, and anti-people policies of the Central government,” said the conveners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha Telangana.

Vissa Kiran Kumar, speaking on behalf of the SKM, demanded that agricultural products should not be included in the free trade agreement under any circumstances.