What are Indian farmers’ concerns over impacts of India-U.S. BTA | Explained

Indian farmer unions are currently staging widespread protests, fearing that the proposed India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) could devastate the country's agriculture, dairy, and poultry sectors. Amid high-level negotiations in New Delhi between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal this week, farmer groups like the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have taken to the streets in Punjab, Haryana, and Jantar Mantar, demanding the immediate scrapping of the deal. They contend that duty-free or low-duty imports from the heavily subsidized American agricultural industry would make it impossible for India's small and marginal farmers to compete. These concerns aren't new; farmers recall the intense agitation against the Three Farm Laws in 2020-2021, alleging a similar lack of consultation with stakeholders during the BTA negotiations. Key sticking points include potential market access for U.S. products like soybean oil, apples, almonds, walnuts, maize, cotton, and dairy, which Indian farmers fear will undercut their livelihoods. While India's Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has tried to reassure farmers that sensitive sectors remain protected and the deal offers export opportunities, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that the agreement won't be implemented without India securing a competitive tariff advantage over rival economies. As the July 24 deadline approaches for a temporary U.S. tariff expiration, negotiations are intensifying, with India pushing for a favorable tariff structure. The government might also deploy Minimum Import Price (MIP) to cushion the blow from any tariff reductions on sensitive agricultural goods. However, farmer unions have warned of a larger nationwide agitation if their demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP), are ignored. The broader context also includes ongoing U.S. pressure at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding India's agricultural subsidies, hinting at potential trade disputes.