(a) whether the developing countries led by India and Brazil have sought special and
differential treatment for phasing out agriculture subsidies in the Mini-Ministerial Summit of
WTO held at Egypt; and
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government?
(a) whether the developing countries led by India and Brazil have sought special and
differential treatment for phasing out agriculture subsidies in the Mini-Ministerial Summit of
WTO held at Egypt; and
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) & (b): In the on-going negotiations on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement
on Agriculture India has sought, inter-alia substantial reduction in all forms of trade distorting
domestic support by the developed countries and elimination of export subsidies except export
subsidies provided by all developing countries to reduce their high cost of marketing, including
handling, upgrading and other processing costs and cost of transport and freight permitted under
the existing provisions of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture which would remain without
reduction commitments. Brazil as a member of the Cairns Group (a group of major agriculture
products` exporting developed and developing countries) has also sought substantial reduction in
domestic support and export subsidies.
The negotiations are scheduled to be concluded by 1st January, 2005.