Farmers’ union to mobilise one million ‘swayamsevaks’ to fight trade deals

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella organisation for about 500 farmers’ outfits, has decided to enrol one million young kisan swayamsevaks (farmer volunteers) to protest against bilateral and multilateral trade treaties the country has signed or proposes to sign with other countries. The organisation will hold kisan panchayats in one lakh villages in September and October to galvanise farmers against such free trade agreements (FTAs).

Talking to reporters here on Thursday (September 3, 2026), SKM leaders said delegations have met more than 100 Ministers, MPs, and MLAs across the country with a charter of demands that includes cancellation of all FTAs. They said they have also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an audience. “The Prime Minister’s Office received our letter but has not yet given us an appointment. SKM believes the PM has become inaccessible to India’s farmers who are 65% of the population. It is shocking that the PM has shown no interest in meeting representatives of the vast majority of the people of India, and this shows the RSS-BJP combine’s lack of concern for farmers,” they said.

They said while withdrawing the year-long farmers’ protests in 2021, written assurances were given to the SKM, but none of those were fulfilled, including a farm loan waiver, and a legalised minimum support price. “SKM will hold Maha Panchayats in one lakh villages on October 3, 2026 — Lakhimpur Kheri Martyrs Day. A list of 10 lakh farmer volunteers, including 2.5 lakh women farmers, will then be issued to restart the farmers’ struggle from November 26, 2026,” they added.

“The National Council and General Body of the SKM will meet at Karnal, Haryana on October 12 and work out the details to restart the farmers’ struggle from November 26 if the Modi regime continues to neglect farmers’ demands ,” they said.