Rakesh Tikait Expresses Concerns Regarding India-US Trade Deal, Demands Exclusion of Agriculture and Dairy Sectors: "Farmers Will Become Laborers in Their Own Fields."
Rakesh Tikait letter to PM Modi: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has voiced deep concerns regarding the India-US trade deal. He has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging that the agricultural and dairy sectors not be included in any international agreement without consulting farmers. Tikait stated that if the deal is implemented, Indian farmers will effectively become laborers on their own land.
Appeal to Exclude Agriculture and Dairy from the Deal
Rakesh Tikait, the prominent leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that the agricultural and dairy sectors be excluded from the potential trade agreement between India and the United States. Tikait argues that if these two sectors are included in the deal, it will directly impact rural India.
Farmers Could Face Double Blow
Rakesh Tikait stated that the Indian farmer, already suffering losses, will become a laborer in his own field after this agreement. He warned that if India, under American pressure, opens the agriculture and dairy sectors to foreign companies, it will create a severe crisis for crores of farmers and small producers in the country.
Decision Likely Before July 9th
Tikait also mentioned that former US President Donald Trump had announced an increase in tariffs in world trade a few years ago, which was also applied to India. However, this decision was later postponed. The postponement period is now ending on July 9th. Therefore, a new trade agreement between India and the United States could be finalized soon.
Rakesh Tikait clarified that he is not against the United States or any other country. His main objective is to protect the livelihoods of Indian farmers and livestock keepers. He appealed to the government not to enter into any international agreement without consulting farmers.
India's Agricultural Sector is the Backbone of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Tikait further stated that India's agriculture and dairy sectors are not only the backbone of the economy but also the life source of rural society. If the Indian market is opened to a capitalist and corporate-based agricultural system like that of the US, the farmers here will not be able to compete with large companies and will be dispossessed of their land.
