Session on WTO implications planned

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, NOV. 25. The Chief Minister, Mr. S.M.Krishna, today told the Legislative Council that the Government would organise an indepth exercise for members to understand the impact of WTO regulations. The sessions would be conducted by Dr. Premanath, who is heading a cell on the implications of WTO, and Prof. Dwarakinath, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences.

After making a statement on the efforts the Government had initiated to check falling prices of agricultural produce, the Chief Minister said, if need be, he would invite Prof. M.S.Swaminathan, renowned agricultural scientist, to enlighten the members. The Government, he said, would not hesitate to convene a session of the legislature exclusively to discuss the implications of WTO on the economy.

Speaking on the issue of falling prices of agricultural produce, Mr. B.S.Yediyurappa (BJP) said the Government should purchase agricultural produce from farmers at the minimum support price, if not at higher rates. The Government should, temporarily, suspend tax on agricultural produce.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. K.H.Srinivasa, said there had been a paradigm shift in the agricultural economy, following globalisation. In the light of this, the Union Government had to come to the assistance of the farmers in a big way.

With regard to the fall in prices, Mr. Srinivasa said it was imperative for the Government to have a formidable presence in the market to boost the confidence of farmers. Otherwise, he said, the middlemen would render the farmers in much more hapless state.

Mr. M.V.Rajashekaran (Congress-I) said that an Agricultural Development Council should be constituted at the national and State levels, comprising experts and farmers' representatives. He suggested imposition of levy on the non-agricultural sector to help boost the agricultural sector. He said there was need to create a special export zone for agriculture and horticulture produce.

The Chief Minister said he would consider the suggestions made by members as the matter was not only urgent but had to be seen in an apolitical manner.

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