India calls out West, says food grains should not go the Covid jabs way

Calling out the West India on Wednesday said that food grains should not go the way of the Covid19 vaccines as it voiced concern over hoarding and discrimination amid the unjustified increase in food pricesIt stressed that its decision to restrict wheat exports will ensure it can truly respond to those most in needA number of low income societies are today confronted with the twin challenges of rising costs and difficulty in access to food grains Even those like India who have adequate stocks have seen an unjustified increase in food prices It is clear that hoarding and speculation is at work We cannot allow this to pass unchallenged Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said here WednesdayMr Muraleedharan was speaking at the ministerial meeting on Global Food Security Call to Action chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken under the US Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of MayThe meeting came just days after Indias last Friday decision to ban wheat exports in a bid to check high prices amid shortage of wheat due to scorching heat waveThe decision is aimed at controlling the retail prices of wheat and wheat flour which have risen by an average 1420 per cent in the last one year and meet the food grain requirement of neighbouring and vulnerable countriesThe Directorate General of Foreign Trade DGFT had in the last week notification said that wheat exports will be allowed on the basis of permission granted by the central governmentAt the highlevel meeting India spoke about the issue of the wheat export ban for the first time in the UN since its May 13 announcementMr Muraleedharan said the Indian government has recognised the sudden spike in global prices of wheat which put our food security and those of our neighbours and other vulnerable countries at risk We are committed to ensuring that such adverse impact on food security is effectively mitigated and the vulnerable cushioned against sudden changes in the global marketIn order to manage our own overall food security and support the needs of neighbouring and other vulnerable developing countries we have announced some measures regarding wheat exports on 13 May 2022 he saidLet me make it clear that these measures allow for export on the basis of approvals to those countries which are required to meet their food security demands This will be done on the request from the concerned governments Such a policy will ensure that we will truly respond to those who are most in need he saidThe minister emphasised that India will play its due role in advancing global food security and it will do so in a manner in which it upholds equity display compassion and promotes social justice India called out the West and cautioned that the issue of food grains should not go the way of Covid19 vaccines which were purchased by the rich nations in quantities excess of what they needed leaving the poor and less developed nations scrambling to administer even the initial doses to their peopleIt is necessary for all of us to adequately appreciate the importance of equity affordability and accessibility when it comes to food grainsWe have already seen to our great cost how these principles were disregarded in the case of Covid19 vaccines Open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination Mr Muraleedharan said making a strong statementAhead of Washingtons signature events on food security US Ambassador to the UN Linda ThomasGreenfield said We have seen the report of Indias decision Were encouraging countries not to restrict exports because we think any restrictions on exports will exacerbate the food shortages But youve ndash again India will be one of the countries participating in our meeting at the Security Council and we hope that they can as they hear the concerns being raised by other countries that they would reconsider that position Mr Muraleedharan highlighted Indias track record of helping its partners in distress saying that even in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts India has never been found wantingWe have provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tonnes of wheat rice pulses and lentils to several countries including our neighbourhood and Africa to strengthen their food security he said adding that in view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan India is donating 50000 metric tonnes of wheat to its peopleIndia has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar including a grant of 10000 tons of rice and wheat he said We are also assisting Sri Lanka including with food assistance during these difficult times In keeping with our ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family and our Neighbourhood First policy we will continue to assist our neighbours in their hour of need and stand by them always he saidIndia underlined that the global impact of Covid19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts including in Ukraine has impacted lives of ordinary people adversely particularly in the developing countries with spiralling energy and commodity prices and disruptions in global logistical supply chainsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever