Strong WTO can ensure free flow of agri goods across borders: Ramesh Chand

'We have seen curbs on export of palm oil by Indonesia two years back. Another reason for countries like India to restrict export of wheat and rice is largely a fall out of emerging global trade'

The Group of Twenty (G20) Delhi Declaration has devoted considerable space to food and nutritional security and called for an open and rules-based food, fertiliser, and agriculture trade worldwide. NITI Aayog member and agricultural economist RAMESH CHAND, in an interview with Sanjeeb Mukherjee, says that a robust World Trade Organization (WTO) can ensure the seamless flow of agricultural goods across borders. Edited excerpts:

The G20 Delhi Declaration commits itself to an open, fair, predictable, and rules-based agriculture, food, and fertiliser trade. It also discusses refraining from imposing any export prohibitions or restrictions and reducing market distortions in accordance with WTO