The Changing Global Agri-trade Regime and Indian Agri-exports

Abstract

Global agri-trade in the post-WTO regime is full of challenges for developing nations like India. While the new regime promises opportunities out of the expected reduction in subsidies and decrease in quantitative restrictions (QRs), developing nations face threats from developed markets in form of non-trade barriers like Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Addressing these challenges with the intention of harnessing the competitive advantage of its agriculture sector, India has initiated strategic plans which involve farmers, the private sector, and governmental and non-governmental agencies. All put together, these plans have shaped up in the form of Agri-export Processing Zones (AEZs). This article attempts to understand the various challenges which developing nations, including India, face in agri-trade and how initiatives like AEZs are addressing such challenges. The ultimate goal is to take Indian agri-exports to newer heights.

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