Globalization, South Asian Agriculture and the WTO

Abstract

This article explores the largely deleterious impact that globalization and trade liberalization is having on agricultural trade in developing Asian countries such as India. Although Asian countries cannot be treated as a homogeneous bloc, it is argued that the hegemonic 'Quad' powers (the European Union, US, Canada and Japan) advocate liberalization for developing countries while practising protection ism in their home markets. This article suggests the way forward is for Indian proposals put to the WTO for reform to be taken seriously by the developed world.