Farmers' body to enrol 1 million volunteers, press for FTA cancellation and legal MSP

NEW DELHI: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of about 500 farmers' organisations, has announced plans to enrol one million young farmer volunteers, or 'kisan swayamsevaks', to protest against bilateral and multilateral trade treaties that India has signed or proposes to sign. The organisation said it will hold 'kisan panchayats' in one lakh villages in September and October to mobilise farmers against free trade agreements (FTAs).

Briefing reporters on Thursday (September 3, 2026), SKM leaders said its delegations have met more than 100 Union Ministers, MPs and MLAs across the country with a charter of demands, which includes cancellation of all FTAs. They added that a letter seeking an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

"The PMO received our letter but has not yet given us an appointment," SKM leaders said. "SKM believes the PM has become inaccessible to India's farmers who constitute 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. This shows the RSS-BJP combine's lack of concern for farmers."

The leaders also recalled that when the year-long farmers' protests were withdrawn in 2021, written assurances were given to the SKM. According to them, none of those assurances have been fulfilled, including a farm loan waiver and a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP).

"SKM will hold Maha Panchayats in one lakh villages on October 3, 2026, which is observed as Lakhimpur Kheri Martyrs Day," the leaders said. "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."

In a separate development, the SKM's National Council and General Body will meet in Karnal, Haryana, on October 12 to work out details of the planned agitation. The leaders said the movement would restart from November 26 if the Modi government continues to ignore farmers' demands.

The SKM's announcement comes amid ongoing discussions in the country about trade agreements and agricultural policy. The organisation, which played a leading role in the 2020-21 protests against the now-repealed farm laws, has consistently demanded policy changes to protect farmers' incomes.

There has been no official response from the government to the SKM's latest statements. The PMO has not confirmed receipt of the letter or any scheduled meeting with the farmers' delegation.

The proposed protests are expected to draw attention to issues such as MSP, loan waivers, and the potential impact of free trade agreements on Indian agriculture. The SKM has maintained that these issues are critical to the livelihood of millions of farmers across the country.