Akhilesh Yadav Slams Centre Over Controversial India-US Trade Agreement Impacting Farmers

In a recent statement, Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, condemned the India-US trade agreement, arguing that it poses a significant threat to farmers' livelihoods. He raised concerns about the government's decision to open India's agricultural market to American products, suggesting it undermines the self-reliance of Indian agriculture. Yadav accused the ruling BJP of prioritizing foreign interests over the welfare of farmers and warned of rising prices and the emergence of middlemen in the agricultural sector. He called for a united opposition against these policies, emphasizing the need to protect farmers and their land from corporate encroachment. His remarks have sparked discussions about the implications of the trade deal on India's agricultural landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 3, 2026, 13:43 IST

Akhilesh Yadav's Strong Critique of the Trade Deal

Lucknow: On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav, the president of the Samajwadi Party, voiced his disapproval of the recent India-US trade agreement, asserting that it jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers by allowing American agricultural products into the Indian market.

Yadav emphasized that approximately 70% of India's population relies on agriculture and questioned whether the ruling BJP government is intentionally undermining the nation's self-sufficient farming practices due to external pressures.

In a statement shared on X, he accused the BJP of once again betraying farmers and demanded clarity on the motivations behind the government's decision to permit American agricultural imports.

He warned that this policy could threaten the livelihoods of countless farmers and labeled the BJP and its allies as representatives of foreign interests.

Challenging the BJP's narrative of promoting self-reliance and indigenous products, Yadav urged the party to disclose how much 'commission' it has profited by compromising the nation's agricultural economy.

He cautioned that this trade deal would not only adversely affect farmers but also burden the lower and middle classes by fostering a new class of profiteers and middlemen in the agricultural sector, leading to increased prices for essential food items.

Yadav further alleged that corporate political funding would exacerbate price hikes.

He expressed concern that farmers' incomes would steadily decline, compelling them to sell their land to affluent individuals and corporations, claiming that land acquisition is a primary goal of the BJP and its affiliates.

Discussing the Seed Bill, Yadav labeled it a threat to Indian agriculture, accusing the BJP government of enacting policies that prioritize corporate interests over those of farmers.

He also criticized the government for humiliating farmers by making them wait in line for fertilizers.

Yadav claimed that the BJP profits at every stage of the agricultural process—from seeds and pesticides to storage, crop insurance, price setting, and procurement—through commissions and intermediaries.

He warned that the introduction of such seeds could devastate farming practices suited to Indian conditions and called for a robust and organized opposition to these measures.

He concluded by stating that farmers, already struggling with rising costs and issues with stray cattle, would no longer tolerate what he described as the BJP government's excesses.

"The BJP has always been, is, and will continue to be anti-farmer. Remove the BJP to protect our farms, farming, and farmers," he declared.