Solutions to Food Security in India (660)

Solutions to Food Security in India (660)

Can Xu

       The Indian government has asked U.S for support to get World Trade Organization’s legitimacy for the flagship program, the Food Security Law, at the Bali ministerial meeting to hold next month. It is a good solution to solve food security in India.

       Earlier this year, the Indian Parliament passed the Food Security Law which promises to provide 5 kilograms of subsidized food grains per month to nearly 820 million Indians. It includes rice at Rs. 3 per kilogram (about $49 per ton), wheat at Rs.2 per kilogram (about $33 per ton), and millets at Re.1 per kilogram (about $16 per ton) until 2016. The average wholesale price of rice stands at around $450 per ton in October 2013.

       The stockpiling of food grains is vital to ensure food security in countries like India. It should be exempt from subsidy limits proposed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Also, food stocks should not be used for exports. One of the solutions is encouraging science technology to enrich crop productions to help more than 10 million farmers in India. It can increase their profit and improve their livelihoods.

       India is seeking space to perform this public policy. But at the same time, other WTO member countries are also worried about the trade distortions caused by this program. According to the WTO agricultural agreement, the government has certain limit to administrative price purchase of agricultural products. In recent years, the prices of agricultural products rises, so India feared they would violate WTO for subsidies to farmers agricultural agreement.

      World Trade Organization (WTO) members are close to reaching a deal on the continuous issue of food security with India. The WTO director supports and encourages solutions over the legitimacy of India’s Food Security Law, the world’s largest food security program. “I doubt immensely that we are going to have a finalized solution on all aspects of this issue in four weeks. From up front rejection, we now are building an environment for a very constructive engagement that will try to address this issue in a positive manner."

        However, Pakistan wants the WTO to block India’s Food Security Law because of the program may let subsidized rice entering the global market chain and harm rice exports of countries such as Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. The consequence is India’s Food Security Law may distort international trade. In the Bali meeting, all the members should follow the "peace clause", the promised members will not dispute settlement mechanism to appeal to India in a certain period of time. This solution allows members to find solutions to the problems in India after the meeting.

       At present, the Indian government is trying to find a solution to improve the food security, but the fact is it is not been taken seriously. Food security is a serious problem in India. It let people suffer. I think it is a good idea to create laws about food security. If the government monitors the process of food, it will prevent food insecurity. In addition, food producer and seller must promise the quality and safety of food. It is also a kind of social responsibility. Also, it is important to create a food security system to educate people. As the final consumer, they should know how to use laws to protect their rights about food security.

        In a word, food security is related to our health and life. The government and also citizens need to take actions, cooperate and do about best to solve the food security issue.

Work Cited

"India may settle for compromise solution to Food Security issue at WTO." Hindo Business Line 01 10 2013, n. pag. Print. <http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-may-settle-for-compromise-solution-to-food-security-issue-at-wto/article5210230.ece>.

"WTO chief raises concerns over India food security law." Hindo 07 07 2013, n. pag. Print. <http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/wto-chief-raises-concerns-over-india-food-security-law/article5210505.ece>.

Admin, . "Food Security Bill is not a permanent solution to India’s hunger problem: Harsh Mander ." Twocircles.net. N.p., 25 10 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. <http://twocircles.net/2013oct25/food_security_bill_not_permanent_solution_india’s_hunger_problem_harsh_mander.html>.