Government Hopeful Of Solution To Food Subsidy Issue At WTO

NEW DELHI: The government is hopeful of a solution to the food stockpile issue at the WTO negotiations beginning next month at Geneva, which will also pave the way for signing of the trade facilitation agreement.

"WTO will convene in September and we expect it will engage on the issue of permanent solution on public stock holding for food security.

"There are proposals already there, there may be more proposals and we do believe that with focus and determination, we should be able to come to a satisfactory solution for public stock holding," a senior Commerce Ministry official said.

India, the official added, would continue with its stand on finding a permanent solution on the food grain stock pile issue, which according to New Delhi is pre-requisite for approving the trade facilitation agreement (TFA).

"India has placed all options before the WTO and things can be worked out within a month on the food security issue," the official added.

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said India will not compromise on the interest of poor farmers and consumers at the WTO and has sought complete resolution of the food grain stockpile issue, which is essential for unhindered implementation of the country's food security programme.

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