India for end to agri-subsidy

While describing agriculture as the core issue in the Doha work programme for developing countries, India on Friday sought an end to the bil...

While describing agriculture as the core issue in the Doha work programme for developing countries, India on Friday sought an end to the billions of dollars of trade subsidies provided by developed countries to their farmers.

Delivering the opening address as the chairman of the G-20 summit here, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said, “When we look at how the trade and production distorting practices of many developed countries adversely impact the livelihood of our poor and vulnerable farming communities, there is overwhelming reason to lead these negotiations to an outcome that removes these distortions.’’

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‘‘That outcome, namely the elimination of all trade distorting domestic support and export subsidies, has been at the heart of G-20’s own objectives,’’ he added.

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The multiplicity of protective measures applied by developed countries against developing countries’ farmers was evident, he said. He demanded transparency on the issue of converting non-ad valorem tariffs to their ad valorem equivalents.

Rejecting the Swiss-type formula in agriculture Nath said, ‘‘It remains essential that there must be full transparency and clarity on the issue. This is a critical gateway issue before negotiations can even commence on the tariff reduction formula for market access commitments.’’