March 27, 2002

'27'

CHINA KEEN ON INDIA’S AGRICULTURAL LAWS

   China has shown its keenness on the laws pertaining to agriculture in India. The Chairman of the Agricultural and Rural Development Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Mr. Gao Dezhan, who called on the Union Agriculture Ministry, Shri Ajit Singh, here today, said that China has enacted a legislation for agriculture in 1993 and they are contemplating to amend the Act in response to the change that has taken place around the world. Mr. Gao said that China became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) recently whereas India had joined much before. Therefore, he said China would like to learn more about changes that would be required in their laws. Mr. Gao expressed his appreciation for India saying that it has made remarkable progress in achieving self-sufficiency in foodgrains production, dairy development, fisheries and poverty alleviation. He said that China like India is also a predominantly agricultural country and would like to share its experience with India and also learn from India’s experience.

    Shri Ajit Singh told the visiting delegation that India has enacted a number of laws including bio-diversity, plant protection and genetically manipulated plant laws besides laws of marketing warehousing and cooperatives. However, he said, that laws which were enacted to save the farmers from exploitations have become unnecessary because of the growth in education and awareness among the farmers. Therefore, he said, the Government is going to bring amendment to these laws. Shri Ajit Singh said that because of large variations in climatic conditions in the country, the Government is making regional approaches for better production and diversity. He told the delegation that India is moving from a controlled regime to a more liberalised regime where education of farmers has become very important.

    Both the sides agreed to have exchanges at several levels including scientists, officials, agriculturists and farmers.