Ibrd Plea To Cut Subsidy Rejected

The World Bank team headed by James D Wolfensohn, which called on the agriculture minister yesterday, also suggested lifting of curbs on import and export of farm commodities.

The Bank delegation made a strong plea for reduction of subsidies on food, fertiliser, seed and other farm inputs. They also wanted the government to distance itself from intervening in production processes, that is, imposing land ceilings and announcing minimum support prices.

Mishra, however, politely turned down these suggestions. He said the government was concerned about the poor and did not want to do anything that went against their interests.