National experiences from different countries and world regions were shared & discussed in the seminar
India’s food security approach and innovations that reflect the Government of India’s concern and sensitivity towards poor and vulnerable sections of society were widely appreciated by participants in the WTO seminar from across the globe.
The WTO high-level seminar on Food Security was held in Geneva on 26th April 2022 to facilitate dialogue on trade and food security among Geneva-based trade officials, policymakers, experts from international organizations and think tanks, etc.
Joint Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, S. Jagannathan, who represented India in the WTO Seminar, highlighted India’s outstanding experience in successfully ensuring dignified & foolproof access to adequate food grains to the most vulnerable people in the country, especially during COVID-19, through a series of bold technology-based reforms and landmark innovations in the Public Distribution System.
He highlighted the crucial role played by Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) in ensuring additional food security for around 800 million beneficiaries in the country during the COVID-19 period and how the scheme continues to cushion them against supply shocks and rising inflation during the period of recovery, with an additional food subsidy outlay of nearly $45 billion apart from the regular food subsidy of nearly $22 billion.