Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham State president V. Krishnayya called upon the farmers to unite and prepare for a sustained struggle against what he termed “anti-farmer policies” of the Central government and the proposed India-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which he said would adversely affect the country’s agricultural sector.

Speaking after unveiling posters for the 23rd State conference of the A.P. Rythu Sangham at the CITU district office in Eluru on Tuesday, Mr. Krishnayya said farmers must remain vigilant to safeguard agriculture and protect their livelihoods. The programme was presided over by district president Katta Bhaskara Rao.

Mr. Krishnayya alleged that several policy initiatives of the Centre, including the Seed Bill, New Fertiliser Policy, Electricity Act reforms and changes in agricultural marketing systems, were detrimental to farmers’ interests and would accelerate the corporatisation of agriculture.

Expressing concern over the proposed India-U.S. FTA, he claimed that large-scale imports of agricultural commodities such as dairy products, maize, wheat, rice, cotton, soybean and poultry products from the United States of America would expose Indian farmers to severe competition and threaten their livelihoods. He urged farmers and agricultural organisations to oppose any agreement that could weaken domestic agriculture.

Mr. Krishnayya said the 23rd State conference of the A.P. Rythu Sangham will be held in Eluru from July 3 to 5 to discuss key issues affecting farmers and formulate future action plans. As part of the conference, a “Hello Raithanna – Chalo Eluru” rally and public meeting will be organised on July 3.

He said national farmer leaders Ashok Dhawale and Viju Krishnan are expected to attend the conference. Among those present at the programme were Panuganti Ramaiah, K. Srinivas, Kona Srinivasa Rao, Gurram Rambabu, R. Lingaraju, D.N.V.D. Prasad, and several leaders and activists from farmers’ and workers’ organisations.