Tokyo: India on February 16 demanded greater flexibility in agricultural tariffs in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations on agriculture to protect the interests of Indian farmers.

Talking to reporters at the end of the informal meeting of WTO ministers, Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley said participation in the meeting had been very vital for India as several market access issues were taken up.

"The foremost which concerns us immediately is agriculture. Whereas we are somewhat satisfied that issues of reduction of domestic support and export subsidies in the developed countries are a part of agricultural agenda (in the draft modalities for negotiations on agriculture circulated earlier), we are still deeply concerned about market access in developing countries, particularly in India, where a large part of the rural population dependent on agriculture could be adversely hit if market access is given. We, therefore, want a far greater flexibility as far as agriculture tariffs are concerned," he said.

Jaitley said another vital issue of concern to India related to the developmental issues – that is, besides implementation issues and special and differential treatment, the whole question of TRIPS and public health.

"It is extremely important for countries which do not have manufacturing facility as far as pharmaceuticals are concerned, and we have represented the viewpoint of those countries effectively at this meeting," he said.

PTI