Several farmer and labour organisations staged protests at the magistrate’s office in Noida and the collectorate in Greater Noida, opposing the recent India–US trade framework. Demonstrators submitted memorandums addressed to the President, raising concerns over the impact of the agreement on Indian agriculture.
The protests coincided with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visit to the city for a private event, adding political significance to the demonstrations.
‘Zero Tariff Will Hurt Small Farmers’
Farmer unions claimed that if India opens its agricultural market to US imports at zero tariff, it could severely impact small and marginal farmers.
Protesters argued that while large foreign agricultural corporations would benefit, Indian farmers — already struggling with price instability — would face intense competition.
Kisan Sabha district president Rupesh Verma said the deal is being presented as trade reform but poses a direct threat to farmers’ livelihoods.
“If zero-duty imports are allowed while our produce struggles to fetch fair prices, small farmers will be forced out of farming,” Verma said.
He also questioned why farmers were not consulted before finalising the agreement.
BKU Burns Copies of Agreement
At Noida’s Sector 19 magistrate office, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) staged a parallel protest. Demonstrators raised slogans against the central government and symbolically burned copies of the trade agreement.
BKU district president Ashok Bhati said agriculture and villages form the backbone of the country and any trade pact affecting farming must ensure farmers’ consent and protection.
Hundreds of farmers and union office-bearers participated at both protest sites.
Part of Nationwide Campaign
The protests are part of a nationwide campaign announced by farmer unions under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. The unions have termed the interim India–US trade framework a threat to agriculture, dairy and rural livelihoods.
They have warned that if the Centre does not address their concerns or reconsider the agreement, the agitation will intensify in the coming days.
Administration Responds
District officials confirmed that memorandums submitted by the farmer groups have been received and will be forwarded to higher authorities.
Meanwhile, the United States revised its factsheet on the trade deal, removing a reference to “pulses” among agricultural products subject to tariff reduction. The wording regarding India’s purchase commitments was also modified.
