About the Agri( WTO Cell) Department
The WTO Cell was created in the Agriculture Department of Secretariat in June 2004 based on the recommendation of the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Commission Report on Agricultural Trade to address the trade related concerns of agriculture in the State. The activities of the WTO Cell are as follows:
1. In the context of Kerala’s agriculture being predominantly trade oriented the main activity of the Cell is to advise the State Government on policy matters related to trade in agriculture in the context of India being a signatory to the WTO and other bilateral Agreements.
2. To advise the State Government on issues related to Foreign Trade Policy of Government of India with specific reference to the State’s agriculture sector.
3. To periodically appraise the State Government on the agricultural situation based on regular monitoring of the performance of the crops.
4. To examine the domestic support and export subsidies being provided to agriculture sector in the State in the context of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture and suggest measures for enhancing the competitiveness of commodities.
5. To suggest inclusion of schemes and programmes in the Annual/Five Year Plans with a view to enhance the competitiveness of agricultural commodities in the liberalized trade regime.
6. To examine the various WTO Agreements, International Treaties and national legislations which have a bearing on State legislations on agriculture and advise the State on its implication, mode of implementation, modification/ amendments, if any, to be made etc.,
7. To advise the State on policy directions based on studies initiated by the Cell.
8. To take follow up action based on the decisions of the High Level Standing Committee on Agricultural Trade chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
9. To draw opinions from stakeholders by conducting workshops, seminars and lectures which will help to streamline the agricultural policy of the State in tune with the changing policy environment.
o draw opinions from stakeholders by conducting workshops, seminars and lectures which will help to streamline the agricultural policy of the State in tune with the changing policy environment.