INDIA’S PRIORITIZATION AT WTO MINISTERIAL
Why in the News?
- India to maintain focus on seeking a permanent solution for Public Stockholding (PSH) of food grains at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.
- Stresses that PSH is a longstanding issue, crucial for food security, and insists on resolving it before engaging in broader agricultural discussions.
About Divergence on Domestic Support:
- Developed and developing nations, including the US and Europe, differ on domestic support for farmers.
- WTO Director-General acknowledges the failure of agriculture negotiations to achieve desired progress, reflecting ongoing challenges.
- India’s Stand : India strongly opposes linking public stockholding with domestic support or other suggested work programs by certain developed countries.
About Public Stockholding (PSH)
· Definition: PSH refers to a government’s practice of maintaining food grain stocks to ensure food security and stabilize prices. · Objective: Protecting vulnerable populations and supporting farmers by managing surplus production. · Example: India’s PSH program involves the procurement and maintenance of food grains, providing subsidized food to millions and addressing concerns about exceeding WTO-agreed subsidy limits. |