• UGI USER
  • Jan 20, 2024
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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.