Farm leaders to discuss WTO text on agriculture

Building up the pressure on the current WTO negotiations and close on the heels of official rejection of the agriculture text released last month, leaders of various agricultural forums will deliberate on the stand India needs to take to protect the livelihood of its farmers, particularly in the backdrop of soaring global food prices.

More than 25 farm leaders from across the country will convene here tomorrow to discuss the fresh WTO proposals circulated by the multilateral trade body on cut in agricultural subsidies and industrial tariffs. The forum would later submit its views to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and UPA chairperson, Ms Sonia Gandhi.