WTO pacts yet to address developing countries' concerns

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 30. Several problems had arisen in the implementation of the World Trade Organisation agreements and concerns of developing countries had not been given due attention on account of the `status quo' approach of developed countries.

At present, it was difficult to say how far the WTO would succeed in ushering in an era of efficient production and, thereby, lay a foundation for sustainable development, the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Ajit Singh, said while addressing a Conference on WTO and Sustainable Development.

He said India's support programmes for farmers did not in any way get adversely affected through the agreement on agriculture, as there was no direct export subsidy and the food security programme was not affected as the expenditure made on these programmes was not subject to any reduction commitment.

Mr. Singh said the WTO agreements can help in achieving sustainable development, ideally by leading to production of goods and services on the basis of comparative advantage of different countries. There is a niche market for organically produced farm commodities which can, on one hand, fetch the premium in the global market and, on the other, encourage sustainable agriculture.

India, for instance, has lower use of fertilizers than many countries and a comprehensive strategy in this direction may enable the country to reap the benefit of low fertilizer.The Agriculture Policy does lay emphasis on sustainable growth of agriculture.

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