CPI(M) affiliated farmers union All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) today rejected the WTO Ministerial declaration, saying it has infringed upon the sovereign right of a country to provide food security for hungry millions.

The government, it said, should have refrained from accepting the provisions of the unequal Ministerial Decision on Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes without discussion with and approval of the States and Parliament.

“We stand opposed to this WTO Ministerial Decision, which constrains and infringes upon our sovereign right to provide price support to farmers as well as ensure food security for the hungry millions,” it said in a statement.

India has only given a new lease of life to the failed WTO, which was becoming irrelevant after the Doha Round, it added.

After four days of marathon negotiations at Indonesian island city of Bali, Trade Ministers from 159 countries agreed on the Bali Ministerial Declaration yesterday, which comprises of texts on trade facilitation, food security and development and LDC issues.

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma described the decision as historic for India.

“India has played a major role in the revival and re—energising the Doha Round of talks. The Bali declaration is a positive step,” Sharma said.

The Bali Ministerial, the Sabha said, also came up with an imbalanced package which will mean expensive customs agreement for developing countries in the name of Trade Facilitation.

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