Purpose

The debate to find a solution for domestic price support under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) has been a long one. The stance of India is critical to determine due to its large population. This paper aims to analyse the benefits or demerits of minimum price support and what approach could be adopted by India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a mix of both analytical and theoretical research. The paper first provides a background on the issues related to public stockholding and further analyses some data at which India procures wheat and rice from the farmers and then compares it with retail market prices in India.

Findings

The paper finds that the difference in price between minimum price support and retail market prices in India for wheat and rice is minimal. Therefore, the concern that India might be taking advantage of the minimum price is uncalled for. India also needs to balance its own interests as well as abide by its WTO obligations. The paper finds that cooperation among countries or regional blocks might help to address the problem of food insecurity.

Originality/value

The paper portrays India’s stance with regard to WTO AOA as well as studies the Indian market for wheat and rice.

中文翻译：

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粮食安全与贸易：经济和法律视角下的公共库存

目的

根据世贸组织农业协议（AOA）寻找国内价格支持解决方案的争论由来已久。由于印度人口众多，其立场至关重要。本文旨在分析最低价格支持的利弊以及印度可以采取什么方法。

设计/方法论/途径

这篇论文是分析研究和理论研究的结合。本文首先介绍了公共库存相关问题的背景，并进一步分析了印度向农民采购小麦和大米的一些数据，然后将其与印度零售市场价格进行了比较。

发现

该论文发现，印度小麦和大米的最低价格支持与零售市场价格之间的差异很小。因此，关于印度可能利用最低价格的担忧是没有必要的。印度还需要平衡自身利益，并遵守世贸组织义务。该文件发现，国家或区域集团之间的合作可能有助于解决粮食不安全问题。

原创性/价值

该论文阐述了印度对 WTO AOA 的立场，并研究了印度的小麦和大米市场。