Lasting solution

WTO ruling is an opportunity to reform the sugar sector

The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling against India’s sugar and sugarcane subsidies is, by and large, inconsequential for the country’s current policies concerning this sector. But it does provide an opportunity to address some of the chronic issues that often require the government to bail this industry out. In a complaint filed jointly by Brazil, Australia and Guatemala, the WTO’s disputes settlement panel has held that India provided more financial support for sugar exports and cane production than is permissible under the global agreement on agriculture. New Delhi, expectedly, has discounted this decree and has decided to file a review