New Delhi, October 1: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said food should never be used as a means of putting pressure on another country, stressing that access to food must remain a basic priority for all nations.
Goyal made the remarks while addressing the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He said food security and the interests of farmers were among the key issues India wanted the global community to focus on.
He pointed to the difficulties faced by several developing countries because of disruptions in the supply of food, fuel and fertilisers. Such disruptions, he said, can have a direct impact on farmers and eventually affect food availability.
Goyal also warned that a shortage of fertilisers can have consequences beyond agriculture. If supplies are disrupted for a long period, reduced farm production could eventually contribute to wider food shortages.
The G20 trade ministers agreed on a statement addressing the use of food as a tool of economic pressure. The participating countries also agreed to continue discussions and cooperation on food security.
Goyal reiterated India’s support for a rules-based international trading system. He said global trade should be open, transparent, fair and inclusive, with the World Trade Organization continuing to play a central role.
He also highlighted India’s efforts to maintain adequate food stocks and support farmers through measures such as public procurement and food-grain reserves.
During the G20 meeting, Goyal held discussions with trade representatives from several member countries on issues related to global trade, food security and supply chains.
The discussions come as geopolitical tensions and disruptions to international trade continue to affect the movement and cost of essential commodities in different parts of the world.
