13th Ministerial Conference Of The World Trade Organization:
The 13th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India asserted a robust position concerning the permanent solution for public stockholding for food security.
Key Points Highlighted by India:
- India has called for a shift in the WTO’s focus, urging it to move beyond catering solely to the trade interests of agricultural exporters.
- Instead, the organisation should prioritise addressing fundamental concerns such as food security and sustaining livelihoods.
- India argues that public stockholding programs are essential for developing countries to ensure food security for their populations, especially for vulnerable sections of society.
- The current WTO rules allow some leeway for developing countries regarding public stockholding programs.
- However, these provisions are temporary and India seeks a permanent solution that acknowledges their development needs.
- G-33 nations also upheld the right of the developing country to use the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) as an important instrument against major import surges or sudden price declines.
- India stressed the necessity of creating a level playing field in international agriculture trade, especially for low-income or resource-poor farmers across the globe.
- This aligns with the broader goal of promoting fairness and equity in trade practices.
- India pointed out the glaring disparities in domestic support provided by countries to their farmers.
- Subsidies in some developed countries are reported to be up to 200 times higher than those in developing nations.
- Also, India as a member of G-33 nations also urged WTO to find a permanent solution to public stockholding.
