Farmers’ panel opposes proposed India-U.S. FTA, plans protests on July 22 - The HinduPublished - July 17, 2026 06:29 pm IST - ELURUThe Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Coordination Committee has opposed the proposed India-United States Free Trade Agreement (FTA), alleging that it would adversely affect Indian agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods.Responding to a nationwide call by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the committee announced district-wide protests on July 22, urging the Centre not to sign the agreement.The decision was taken at a district-level meeting held in Eluru on Friday under the chairmanship of Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union district secretary Bandi Venkateswara Rao. Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham district president Katta Bhaskara Rao, district secretary K. Srinivas, Congress Kisan Cell leader Rajanala Rammohan Rao, All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha district secretary Karam Raghava, Agricultural Workers’ Union district secretary P. Ramakrishna, AITUC district general secretary Reddy Srinivasa Dange and others addressed the meeting.The speakers said farmers were already reeling under mounting debt and financial distress, and alleged that the proposed FTA would further aggravate the agrarian crisis. They warned that if the agreement was signed, farmers would launch a nationwide agitation. They appealed to farmers, tenant cultivators, agricultural labourers and workers across Eluru district to participate in the July 22 protests.The meeting also resolved to submit memoranda to the President of India and organise demonstrations at mandal and district headquarters as part of the nationwide campaign against the proposed FTA.Published - July 17, 2026 06:29 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }