The core of the farmers’ fear lies in a potential clause that would allow duty-free access for U.S. dairy imports. As a leading piece of data journalism, the BKU argues that the low cost of U.S. dairy would make it impossible for India’s domestic producers to compete. The nation’s dairy sector is largely composed of smallholder farmers and cooperatives, whose milk production costs cannot match those of large, industrialized U.S. farms. This disparity is at the heart of the trade tension.

The call for a boycott is a strategic and political move by the farmers to influence the government’s negotiating position. It serves as a clear warning that any trade deal that harms the agribusiness sector will face significant public and political backlash. The BKU’s action highlights the immense political leverage of India’s farming community, which has a long history of successfully mobilizing against policies it views as a threat to its economic security.

From a dairy economics perspective, this conflict represents a classic struggle between free trade principles and the protection of a vital domestic industry. India’s dairy sector is not just a source of milk; it is a fundamental pillar of the rural economy, providing employment and income for millions of families. The farmers’ movement emphasizes that this industry’s value extends far beyond its market price, as it is intrinsically linked to national food security and social stability.