Countries banning export restrictions did not contribute to food plan – Times of India

Geneva: a group of 80 countries and world trade organization The leadership may demand a ban on all export restrictions world food program ,wfp) but many of them have never contributed to the scheme to meet the human needs.
While developed countries have attempted to portray India as the villain for the recent controls on wheat and sugar exports, India has hit back saying that it has never imposed any restrictions on WFP.
Sources also indicated that traders from some countries raising the issue may be behind the move as they are adversely affected by cheques, leading to a rise in prices. The WFP-related proposal is being pushed by around 80 countries led by Singapore, many of which have never contributed to the humanitarian aid plan. For example, Singapore is the leader of the pack, but has never participated in an event, given its size. Ditto for many European countries. “It is like countries in the tropical region that do not play ice hockey, demanding that the rules be changed without getting input from those who play the game,” an official said.
Food security is emerging as a major area where the WTO Secretariat is also showing keen interest. In his opening remarks on Sunday, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela said: “The WTO must also respond to an impending food crisis. driedFloods, heat waves and other extreme weather events have already combined with supply chain disruptions related to the Covid and pandemic to increase food prices around the world. in war Ukraine This situation has escalated.
according to United Nations Food and Agriculture OrganizationInternational wheat prices have increased by 56% compared to last May. Overall grain prices have increased by about 30%. Recent prices for vegetable oils are up 45% year over year. And world BankThe index for fertilizer prices in low- and middle-income countries is 128% higher than a year ago. He demanded quick action.
He suggested that WTO members should allow the free flow of food and agricultural inputs, especially for humanitarian purposes, and supported plans to exempt WFP from export restrictions.