Sustainable Development Goals Pertaining to Indian Agriculture with Specific Reference to World Trade Organisation

Abstract

The alignment of Indian agricultural policy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is central to achieving inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and food security. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in India's economy and food security, employing over half the population while contributing significantly to GDP and exports. In the global context, the SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), are directly tied to agricultural transformation. This paper explores the interplay between these SDGs and Indian agriculture, highlighting the policy challenges and progress towards sustainability. It also examines the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in shaping India’s agricultural policies through trade-related agreements such as the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) of the WTO and the ongoing debates around subsidies, food security, and market access. Ministerial Conferences (MC 1-13) play an important role in solving food security distortions. While India aims to ensure food and livelihood security through minimum support prices, public stockholding, and rural development schemes, these often conflict with WTO norms, triggering negotiations and disputes. This paper critically evaluates how India can balance its SDG commitments with WTO obligations, ensuring inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and equitable global trade practices. The analysis emphasises the need for coherent domestic and international policy frameworks to enable a resilient, sustainable, and WTO-compliant agricultural system.