Farmers’ bike rally against the India-US trade deal; Pandher challenges government to an open debate

July 15, 2026

Responding to a call by the ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’, farmers across several states, including Punjab, held motorcycle rallies today to protest against the central government’s policies and the proposed India-US trade agreement. Thousands of farmers took to the streets in districts like Amritsar to demonstrate in support of their demands. Farmer organizations argue that this agreement runs counter to the interests of farmers, laborers, small traders, and the general public.

A large number of farmers from areas such as Jandiala Guru, Majitha, Ajnala, Lopoke, Chogawan, and Baba Bakala in Amritsar district participated in the march. Raising slogans against the central government, the farmers stated that the proposed India-US trade agreement could pose a serious threat to the country’s agriculture, dairy, and oilseed industries, as well as the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

Farmer leaders assert that if this agreement is implemented, the Indian market will open up further to foreign products, forcing farmers and small industries to face stiff competition. They allege that the greatest impact will be on farmers’ incomes and the rural economy.
Motorcycle rallies held across 23 districts of Punjab

Farmer leader Pandher stated that motorcycle rallies were organized in all 23 districts of Punjab, with participation from various farmer organizations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), and Azad Kisan Morcha. He added that, alongside Punjab, protests, motorcycle rallies, and bicycle rallies were also held in several other states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Maharashtra.

Call for a fact-based discussion with face-to-face interaction

Meanwhile, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher challenged the central government to an open debate, urging it to arrange a face-to-face discussion between government experts and representatives of farmer organizations before the media, based on facts. He stated that this would clarify the situation for the entire country.

Demand to immediately withdraw the land pooling policy

Additionally, the farmers demanded that the Punjab government immediately withdraw its land pooling policy. They argue that the policy is detrimental to farmers’ interests and warned that the agitation would be intensified if it is not withdrawn.