India Makes Strong Case for Food Security in WTO Agriculture Talks

During the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiation session on agriculture held in Abu Dhabi on February 27, India firmly conveyed its position regarding the focus of discussions on agricultural issues. The country emphasized that the talks should not be limited to the trade interests of agri-exporting nations alone but must also consider the critical concerns of food security and the livelihoods of people.

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Addressing the Public Stockholding Issue

India highlighted the significance of finding a permanent solution to the public stockholding (PSH) issue, which has been a long-pending mandated issue at the WTO. The country argued that without a permanent resolution to this matter, developing nations' fight against hunger cannot be effectively addressed. India made a compelling case for finalizing the permanent solution to PSH and delivering this outcome at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), as it has remained unresolved for over a decade.

Broadening the Focus Beyond Export Interests

India asserted that the focus of WTO agricultural talks should not be narrowly confined to the trade interests of exporting countries. Instead, the primary concern should be ensuring food security and safeguarding the livelihoods of individuals, particularly those involved in agriculture. This stance challenges the perspective of the 19-member Cairns group, which advocates for agricultural trade liberalization and includes countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, and New Zealand.

Addressing Disparities in Domestic Support

India drew attention to the significant disparities in the actual per-farmer domestic support provided by different countries, as reported to the WTO. The country highlighted that some developed nations provide subsidies that are substantially higher, even 200 times more, compared to the subsidies offered by developing countries. India emphasized the importance of creating a level playing field in international agricultural trade to support millions of low-income and resource-poor farmers.

Protecting Special and Differential Treatment Provisions

India reiterated the importance of upholding the treaty-embedded Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions within the Agreement on Agriculture. The country firmly stated that any derogation or weakening of these provisions would be unacceptable. India emphasized the need to protect the interests of developing nations and ensure fair trade practices.

Prioritizing Subsidy Reduction

India proposed that if discussions on reducing domestic support commitments were to take place, the process should commence with eliminating subsidies provided by countries that offer massive subsidies on a per capita basis. This approach aims to address the imbalances in agricultural support and promote fairer trade practices.

India's strong stance at the WTO agricultural talks in Abu Dhabi underscores the country's commitment to ensuring food security, supporting the livelihoods of farmers, and promoting equitable trade practices. By advocating for a permanent solution to the PSH issue, addressing disparities in domestic support, protecting S&DT provisions, and prioritizing subsidy reduction, India seeks to shape the global agricultural agenda in a manner that benefits all stakeholders, particularly developing nations and vulnerable farming communities.