India has come under scrutiny from several countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Canada, at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its export restrictions and agricultural subsidies, according to a report by The Economic Times. These countries are seeking clarifications from India on multiple fronts.

Rice export ban

India’s ban on non-basmati white rice exports, imposed in July last year, has prompted the US, UK, Japan, and others to ask when India plans to lift or ease the restriction. Some nations have also inquired whether India is considering replacing the ban with an export duty. The export ban was initially implemented due to domestic food security concerns, though India has made exceptions for countries like Nepal, Mauritius, and Namibia.

Food security concerns

Canada questioned whether India considered the food security of importing countries when imposing restrictions on wheat exports, which India prohibited in May 2022 due to fears of a domestic shortage following crop damage from a heatwave.

Role of agricultural export enterprises

Canada has also sought details on the exports by enterprises such as the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), including the value and volume of their exports, export prices, and destination markets.

Subsidies for farmers

Japan raised concerns over India’s electricity subsidies for farmers, noting that the increase in these subsidies appears disproportionate to actual electricity prices. Additionally, Australia and Canada have asked India about the criteria for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides income support to farmers, as well as the support offered by states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Source: Business standard