The cost of India’s food nationalism (BBC) 

BBC’s Work Life India podcast interviewed senior research fellow Avinash Kishore on its podcast. The discussion was on the recently announced curbs on its wheat and sugar exports. The decision came after an unseasonal heatwave in the country affected crops and drove domestic prices to a record high. But critics say it could lead to further food inflation and price fluctuations. Is India prepared to face the consequences of export bans from other countries as well? Will this move trigger further disruptions in the food supply chain? And do export bans have a larger geopolitical impact?  Kishore said, “The government placed this ban because public procurement plummeted. The concern is what will happen to the country’s food security?” He spoke on IMF’s desire that countries not put export restrictions in place. “I have reservations about IMF’s view that India should be opening up exports. If the U.S. and Europe cut down on their diversion of crops (for biofuels and ethanol), why talk about India banning exports?” Kishore was asked if the banning exports to benefit domestic consumers works. “It’s not about just this year. The farmer always bears the brunt of it.”