The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a collective of Indian farmers, has declared February 26, 2024, as “Quit WTO Day”. This announcement comes as a response to ongoing disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding India’s food security and agricultural support programs. The 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, scheduled from February 26 to 29 in Abu Dhabi, is the backdrop against which these protests are unfolding.
The SKM’s statement highlights the plight of Indian farmers in the face of global agricultural policies. They plan to line the National-State Highways with tractors from 12 pm to 4 pm, ensuring no disruption to traffic. This move is part of a larger struggle to protect India’s food security and agricultural subsidies from international disputes, particularly at the WTO. The organization has been a battleground for issues like the 50 percent reduction in global entitlements for agricultural support by 2034, a proposal that has been met with resistance from Indian farmers.
The SKM’s demands are clear: the Indian government must defend the nation’s right to support its farmers and ensure food security. They urge the government to collaborate with other less developed countries to secure a permanent solution to these challenges. This collaboration aims to not only preserve existing support programs but also to strengthen them.
India’s National Food Security Act and the system of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and public procurement have been repeatedly contested at the WTO. Developed countries are pushing for further reductions in public agricultural support and demanding that emerging economies like India eliminate ‘trade-distorting’ support. The SKM strongly opposes these proposals, advocating for India to reject any demands for increased market access through tariff reductions.
Amidst these tensions, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has called for peace and welcomed suggestions from all quarters. Acknowledging the importance of dialogue, he emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the issue and supporting the agricultural sector. However, the protesting farmers, who demand a legal guarantee for MSP, have rejected previous offers from the government. Despite this impasse, the Centre remains open to further discussions in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.