In the WTO conferences of the last decade , a major rift between the global south and the global north have emerged. There has been little or no consensus on the issues pertaining to the Doha Development round of 2001.
The DDA was initiated on the disparate questions of agricultural subsidy regimes and public stock holding for food security purposes.
As of 2015, a temporary peace clause is in place for the question of PDS , which the developed nations oppose citing non-free trade and developing nations demand for securing livelihoods.
Developing nations must persist for their demand in a permanent solution to it as -
1. It will protect farmers and their livelihoods from undue international exposure.
2.Such nations rely heavily on natural forces as rain , weather and droughts are frequent. Food security enable stability in the economy even in drought years.
3.It is a major measure in the poverty alleviation and welfare functions of the states which have poverty as an issue.
4.Domestic products remain sustainable in the market against the cheap international counterparts.
Currently the WTO has enable a peace clause, which has brought temporary peace upon the issue, however such a clause cannot be sustained for long as both sides demand it otherwise.
Spearheaded by Indian initiatives, the clause provides immunity from adjudication for violation of food security norms under the WTO for an indefinite period.
However the peace clause does not solve the issue for either side and must be put to more dialogue and understanding. This would settle the widening gap in the WTO and also enhance its relevance in today's world.
