India made a strong case for a permanent solution to the Public Stockholding (PSH) issue during the ongoing World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. PSH refers to the practice of governments holding stocks of essential commodities for food security purposes.
During the conference, India argued that resolving PSH, a pending issue for 11 years, is crucial for achieving food security and improving the livelihoods of millions. India emphasized that focusing solely on the trade interests of exporting countries neglects the fundamental needs of developing nations.
India highlighted the support from over 80 countries, representing more than half the world’s population, for their proposed PSH solution and further pointed out the vast disparities in per-farmer subsidies provided by different countries, with some developed nations offering subsidies 200 times higher than developing ones. India urged the WTO to address this imbalance and ensure a level playing field for resource-poor farmers.
India advocated for a sequential approach to agricultural reforms, prioritizing the permanent resolution of PSH and also emphasized the importance of protecting the special and differential treatment provision for developing countries within the agreement on agriculture.
This move by India highlights the ongoing debate at the WTO regarding trade, food security, and the needs of developing nations. The final outcome of the negotiations regarding PSH and other agricultural reforms remains to be seen.
By, Vinod Kumar, Dubai