India’s Public Stockholding Dilemma at WTO – Feeding the Poor or Distorting Global Markets?

India has been steadfast in its demand for a permanent solution to public stockholding for food security at the World Trade Organization (WTO). At the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, India, supported by over 80 countries, emphasized the necessity of revising outdated WTO farm subsidy rules that limit its ability to support local farmers and ensure food security for its population.

Background and Context

• Definition of public stockholding and its purpose in food security
  • Public stockholding programs involve government procurement, storage, and distribution of food commodities to stabilize markets and ensure food availability during shortages.
  • These progr