Photo for representation. AP
New Delhi, September 22
India has defended its decision to ban export of wheat and rice at a WTO meeting even as some member-countries have flagged concerns over the country's stand, an official said.
At a meeting last week in Geneva, Senegal, the US and the European Union raised questions over the decision, saying it could have adverse implications on global markets.
In May, India restricted export of wheat to enhance domestic availability. This month, it also banned export of broken rice and imposed a 20 per cent export duty on non-basmati rice except for parboiled rice to boost domestic supplies amid a fall in area under paddy crop in the current kharif season.
Defending its decision, India clarified that the ban on export of broken rice, which is used in poultry feed, follows a rise in the grain's exports in recent months which put pressure on the domestic market.
In the case of wheat, food security concerns necessitated export-curbs.
“India has also stated that the measures are temporary in nature and under continuous monitoring,” the official said.
Senegal, a major importer of India's broken rice and other rice products, urged India to keep trade open in these difficult times to ensure food sufficiency, the official added.
At the meeting, Thailand, Australia, Uruguay, the US, Australia, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, Paraguay and Japan requested for consultations with India regarding the use of the peace clause to protect its food programmes against action from trade disputes.
Tribune Shorts
Most Read
Don't Miss
View All
Top News
Enforcement Directorate holds raids on liquor contractors in Faridkot, Ludhiana, Chandigarh
Searches held at various locations of liquor baron Deep Malh...
Human rights campaigners of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine win Nobel Peace Prize
'The Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their ...
Suspect in Punjabi family murder had once worked for victims' trucking business and had feud with them
The feud dated back a year, the sheriff said, and “got prett...
Delhi Police arrest man accused of attack at Punjab Police headquarters
Also arrest another man accused of placing IED in Kurukshetr...
Sangrur MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj marries AAP worker at Patiala village
The MLA is accompanied by Dr Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Chief Mi...
