(a) whether the Government are considering the Geneva negotiations for liberalization
in the agriculture sector;
(b) if so, the details of terms and conditions of the Geneva agreement and figures of
increase in agriculture production during each of the last three years as per the World
Trade Organisation Agreement;
(c) whether the Government propose to implement further the Geneva agreement
through World Trade Organisation; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)
(a) to (d): Being a signatory to the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) under the World
Trade Organisation (WTO), India is committed to abide by the provisions of the
Agreement. Article 20 of the AoA mandates negotiations for further progressing
liberalization to establish a fair and market-oriented agricultural trading system in the
world. India, on 15.1.2001 has submitted its initial negotiating proposals to WTO. With a
view to deriving the best possible benefits from the negotiations, in its proposals, besides
demanding substantial and meaningful reductions in tariffs including elimination of peak
tariff and tariff escalation, substantial reductions in domestic support and elimination of
export subsidies by the developed countries, the country has also demanded the
increased flexibility enjoyed by the developing countries by creation of a `Food Security
Box` for providing domestic support to the agriculture sector under the special and
differential (S&D) provisions as also further strengthening of trade defence mechanisms
with a view to ensuring its food security and taking care of livelihood concerns. The said
mandated negotiations have been going on at Geneva since January, 2000.
The details of production of the major agricultural commodities in the country over
the last three years are annexed.
ANNEXURE
The details of production of major agricultural commodities in the country over the
last three years.
(Million tonnes)
Commodity 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000
Rice 82.54 86.08 89.48 Wheat 66.35 71.29 75.57 Coarse Cereals 30.40 31.33 30.47 Cereals 179.29 188.70 195.52 Pulses 12.97 14.91 13.35 Total Foodgrains 192.26 203.61 208.87 Oil Seeds 21.32 24.75 20.87 Sugarcane (Cane) 279.54 295.73 299.23 Cotton + 108.50 122.90 116.40 Jute ++ 99.60 88.40 94.20 Mesta ++ 10.60 9.70 11.10 Jute & Mesta ++ 110.20 98.10 105.30
+ Lakh bales of 170 kgs each. ++ Lakh bales of 180 kgs each.