India can help in reducing hunger crisis in many countries: Sitharaman

Wednesday 20th July 2022 06:37 EDT
 
 

According to World Trade Organization (WTO) norms, countries are not allowed to export foodgrains from their public stock holdings as they are procured at subsidised rates.
 
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Strengthening global collaboration for tackling food insecurity’ on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Bali, India’s Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked WTO to allow India to export foodgrains from its public stockholding to nations which are facing food crisis.
 
She said that India can help in reducing hunger or food insecurity but there is a hesitation on the part of WTO. Many countries in the world are currently facing food shortage due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
 
A group of 70-80 countries, led by Singapore, is pushing member countries of the WTO to accept binding commitments of not extending export restrictions on the foodgrains procured under the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
 
Some members, however, have voiced concerns regarding a blanket exemption for WFP food purchases due to domestic food security considerations. The FM highlighted that food, fuel, and fertilisers are global public goods, and ensuring access to these for developing and emerging economies is critical. She said there is an urgency to strengthen food production and the global food system.
 
The FM also shared India’s experience, including gains in agriculture production, food security programmes and delivery mechanisms like ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme.


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