<p>Opposition members in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday alleged that the Indian government has failed to protect national interest in WTO talks in Bali. <br /><br /></p>.<p>They expressed apprehension that what has been agreed upon will adversely affect the food security programme and also harm the country’s agriculture. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, however, denied it and said that it will not affect the foodgrain procurement and food security programmes.<br /><br />Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley demanded a clarification on the issue. He said that protection extended in Bali talks is limited to existing food programmes. Since, the programme is still being rolled out, the deal will adversely impact the same. <br /><br />Jaitley said that the deal will adversely impact the additional subsidies to farmers being provided on power, fertiliser, transport and water. <br /><br />CPM leader Sitaram Yechury alleged that the trade facilitation agreement in Bali is in favour of developed countries. He also expressed apprehension that the agreement may force India to accept Direct Cash Transfer of agriculture subsidy. <br /><br />Sharma said nothing in the agreement impinges on India’ food security programme for the poor and vulnerable sections of society. It is “very much part of India’s sovereign space.”<br /><br />He also asserted that the government will decide at what price it would procure food stocks from farmers and the WTO has no jurisdiction over the decision.<br /></p>
<p>Opposition members in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday alleged that the Indian government has failed to protect national interest in WTO talks in Bali. <br /><br /></p>.<p>They expressed apprehension that what has been agreed upon will adversely affect the food security programme and also harm the country’s agriculture. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, however, denied it and said that it will not affect the foodgrain procurement and food security programmes.<br /><br />Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley demanded a clarification on the issue. He said that protection extended in Bali talks is limited to existing food programmes. Since, the programme is still being rolled out, the deal will adversely impact the same. <br /><br />Jaitley said that the deal will adversely impact the additional subsidies to farmers being provided on power, fertiliser, transport and water. <br /><br />CPM leader Sitaram Yechury alleged that the trade facilitation agreement in Bali is in favour of developed countries. He also expressed apprehension that the agreement may force India to accept Direct Cash Transfer of agriculture subsidy. <br /><br />Sharma said nothing in the agreement impinges on India’ food security programme for the poor and vulnerable sections of society. It is “very much part of India’s sovereign space.”<br /><br />He also asserted that the government will decide at what price it would procure food stocks from farmers and the WTO has no jurisdiction over the decision.<br /></p>
