Bharatiya Kisan Sangh mulls Nationwide Boycott of US Agro Products
Jammu, Aug 13: On his maiden visit to Jammu & Kashmir after assuming charge as National President of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), K. Sai Reddy convened a crucial meeting with the provincial executive, district presidents, and secretaries from eight districts at Trikuta Yatri Niwas, Ambphalla. The gathering finalized the schedule for upcoming training camps to be held in Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, Akhnoor, RS Pura, Doda, and Kishtwar, focusing on the organization’s vision for farmer development.
Deliberations extended to pressing issues plaguing the region’s agricultural community. Local representatives flagged continuous crop destruction by wild animals, delayed supply of fertilizers and seeds, and poor upkeep of government-constructed irrigation canals as major hurdles undermining farm productivity.
Addressing reporters after the session, Reddy voiced BKS’s firm backing of the central government’s stand in its tariff dispute with the United States, crediting New Delhi for refusing to compromise farmer interests in trade talks. He reiterated the organization’s opposition to the entry of GM seeds, US dairy corporations, and foreign involvement in fisheries, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference as a decisive move to safeguard Indian agriculture and promote traditional, organic methods.
Reddy disclosed that BKS is weighing a nationwide boycott of agricultural products from American companies dealing in fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. A formal directive to farmers may be issued soon as part of this proposed campaign.
With a footprint spanning 60,000 villages and a membership base of 4.2 million farmers, BKS claims over 15,000 members in Jammu & Kashmir alone, operating through 100 village committees. The meeting saw participation from All India Executive Member Puran Chand, Provincial President Balkar Singh, Provincial General Secretary Jagdish Thakur, Provincial Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, and Provincial Organization Secretary Balveer Kumar.
