Farmers gathered at Kuvempu Park near Gun House Circle in Mysuru on Sunday to protest the Indo-US trade deal. The event was led by Kurubur Shanthakumar, President of the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association and Federation of State Farmers’ Organisations. Farmers wore black bands and shouted slogans condemning the deal. Mr Shanthakumar said, "The Union Government, by signing the Free Trade Agreement with the United States, has effectively signed the 'death warrant' of Indian farmers." He warned that duty-free import of agricultural and dairy products from the U.S. would lower demand for Indian produce. This would push prices down, increase farmer debt, and raise suicide rates among farmers. He highlighted the disparity in subsidies, stating, "Farmers in the United States receive subsidies of up to 200 per cent, whereas Indian farmers receive only about three per cent subsidy." This imbalance will make it very hard for Indian farmers to compete. Some may even be forced to dump their produce due to lack of buyers. Mr Shanthakumar also said the deal would hurt traders and affect all parts of society. He made a pointed remark: "While the British once came to India for trade and later ruled the country, it is unfortunate that present-day people’s representatives are now acting in a way that compromises the interests of Indian farmers." The farmers demanded immediate withdrawal of the agreement. Mr Shanthakumar warned, "The farmers’ protests against the trade agreement will intensify if the Centre does not withdraw the deal immediately. We will gherao Union Ministers and MPs if the agreement is not cancelled." The protestors also raised slogans calling for an end to duty concessions on U.S. agricultural imports to save Indian farmers' livelihoods.