India Warns Developed Nations Against Reneging on Food Security Related Issue

India has cautioned developed nations against going back on their promise on food security or refusing to talk about public stock holdings and MSP ceilings at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The statement was made during the WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting in Geneva, where participants discussed the potential outcomes for food and agriculture at the 13th Ministerial Conference scheduled for February 2024. This article discusses this topic in detail from the IAS exam perspective.

India’s Three ‘No’s

• India made it clear at the WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting that it is not willing to compromise on its stance regarding food security. 
• It emphasized its three ‘nos’: 
  • there is no way out of a permanent solution on food security, 
  • negotiations must be based on written texts, and 
  • there is no excuse for strict timelines. 
• India also criticized non-proponents for not being flexible regarding its proposal on food security.

Importance of a Permanent Solution:

• For developing countries like India, it is very important to find a permanent solution for public stockholding. 
• This is because under WTO rules, if a country’s subsidy for procuring any crop exceeds 10% of the production value, it can face penalties. 
• However, in 2013, the Bali interim agreement was reached, which provides a peace clause that protects developing countries from action if their subsidy breaches the given limit.

Immediate Commencement of Text-Based Negotiations:

• Many developing countries, such as the Caribbean, the African countries, and Pacific Group, and the G33 Group, have urged the immediate initiation of text-based negotiations on public stockholding. 
• The G33 Group, which includes India, has submitted a joint proposal to address severe food security issues.

Allegations by the US:

• During the discussions at the WTO Committee on Agriculture, the US indirectly accused India of taking advantage of unlimited trade-distorting domestic support by invoking the Bali peace clause to exceed the ceiling limit for its Minimum Support Price (MSP) bill for rice. 
• However, India denied the allegations, stating that its MSP program is not related to its rice exports.

Call for a Permanent Solution:

• India has called for a permanent solution on public stockholding and MSP ceilings based on proposals submitted by developing countries. 
• During a meeting at the WTO Committee on Agriculture, India dismissed arguments for alternative food security solutions beyond public stockholding and special safeguard measures.

Conclusion:

• India’s warning to developed nations is a crucial reminder to uphold their commitments on food security and negotiate text-based solutions in the upcoming WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in February 2024. 
• The discussions will determine the future of food and agriculture, and it is essential to protect the interests of developing countries and their poor farmers.

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