AP farmers’ bodies to stage nationwide protests on July 22 against proposed India-US trade pact

A coalition of farm organizations announced nationwide protests on 22 July 2026 against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They argued that the pact would adversely affect Indian agriculture, reduce crop prices and threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

At a meeting in Vijayawada on Tuesday (July 14), representatives of various farmers’ bodies decided to hold demonstrations at district and mandal headquarters across the state. They also announced plans to burn effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump as part of the protests.

Addressing the media, Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham leader Y. Keshava Rao said the proposed deal would expose Indian farmers to unfair competition from imported agricultural products and further reduce prices of domestic crops. He urged the Union Government not to sign any trade pact that could adversely affect the agriculture sector.

Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers Association General Secretary P. Jamalaiah claimed that farmers growing Totapuri mangoes, tobacco, tomatoes, cashews and prawns were already facing severe financial difficulties due to falling prices. He accused the central and state governments of failing to protect farmers’ interests and alleged that the policy was favoring corporate companies over growers.

Mr. Jamalaiah also criticized the state government’s handling of shrimp feed prices and alleged that the guidelines to buy Totapuri mangoes at ₹ 12 per kg were not effectively implemented. He sought immediate measures to support farmers facing the ongoing agrarian crisis.

The organizations said they would collect signatures against the proposed deal and send memoranda to the Indian president by July 21. They called on farmers across the state to participate in demonstrations on July 22.

Published – 14 Jul 2026 23:05 IST