Amid the debate on a proposed legislation on food security, the Planning Commission has suggested the adoption of a variable trade policy wherein import and export tariffs could be imposed to ensure an adequate food stock to meet any exigency.

“I believe that there is a need for adopting a variable trade policy, which would be a part of the domestic price/stock situation in the event of imports shooting up or dipping down. In fact, import tariff could be imposed if world food prices dip or export tariff could be levied if prices surge,” commission member Abhijit Sen told The Indian Express.

Sen suggested that in the proposed legislation, there could be a possibility wherein all existing food security schemes like Antyodaya, ICDS, PDS are converged and amalgamated into the Act and include enough provisions to ensure accountability in its execution. “It could be explored if the existing food schemes could be converged into the Act to make it comprehensive. Justifying the same, Sen pointed out that the country’s food management was not good in yesteryear. He cited that in 2001-02, India had huge food stocks, which depleted in 2005 “primarily because of unrestrained exports.” Though, he disfavoured restraining exports completely, but he made out a case for a variable trade policy aligned to the domestic food situation. “I am not saying that we are uncomfortable with the present food stock position. We are comfortable currently. But unpredictable monsoons could destabilise our position,” he reasoned.

On the possible ways to enforce accountability in implementing the said Act, Sen was of the opinion that the states would have to be bound to it on the lines of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme. More so since they could be mandated to contribute a stipulated amount for the food security programme.

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