Congress Warns of Farm Crisis in Maharashtra: Is the Indo-US Trade Deal to Blame?

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2026-02-07 09:28:47 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-07 11:03:28

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A recent Indo-US trade agreement has sparked concern among Indian farmers, particularly in Maharashtra, where Congress leader Nana Patole has sounded the alarm. The deal, which eliminates import duties on certain US agricultural products, threatens to flood the Indian market with duty-free crops, potentially devastating local farmers.

Patole, addressing a press conference, vehemently opposed the agreement, claiming it was signed under duress. He argued that the deal would allow US agricultural imports, including wheat, lentils, almonds, and walnuts, to enter India duty-free, undercutting local farmers' prices. This, he believes, will have a detrimental effect on Maharashtra's farmers, who are already struggling with rising input costs and unpredictable weather conditions. The Congress leader emphasized that the state's farmers are in a vulnerable position, and such a trade agreement could lead to a significant drop in crop prices, making it harder for them to compete.

The Indo-US trade deal has raised broader concerns about the impact of free trade agreements on India's agricultural sector. Critics argue that such deals often benefit multinational corporations at the expense of local farmers, who are already grappling with issues like climate change, market volatility, and limited access to credit. As the deal comes into effect, Maharashtra's farmers anxiously await its consequences, hoping their concerns will be addressed and their livelihoods protected. With the deal now in place, farmers across the state are anxiously awaiting its impact, hoping their concerns will be addressed and their livelihoods safeguarded.

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