India Won't Trade Food Security, Farmers' Interest: Minister

NEW DELHI: India is not opposed to any agreement to simplify the rules of global commerce but cannot wait endlessly for a permanent solution on subsidies, so crucial for food security and welfare of its farmers, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said recently.

"India is not standing in way of implementation of trade facilitation but seeking equal level of commitment and progress in working on the issue of public stockholding," she told parliament, referring to India's veto last week of the trade facilitation pact.

"India must have freedom to use its food reserves to feed the poor without any threat of violating any international obligation," the minister said, adding issues of development and food security are critical and cannot be sacrificed to mercantile considerations.

"A permanent solution on food security is a must for us. We cannot wait endlessly in a state of uncertainty, while the WTO (World Trade Organization) engages in an academic debate on subject of food security," she added.

"But I am confident India will be able to persuade the WTO membership to appreciate our sensitivities and that of the other developing countries and see their way to take this issue forward in a positive spirit."

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