On March 26-28, 2007, The Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) and the Forum of Environmental Journalists of India (FEJI) organized a Media Forum in Mumbai, India. The forum, which brought together 25 journalists from across India, took as its focus the role of subsidies in contributing to the agrarian crisis in India, with particular reference to the suicides of farmers. From this symptom, speakers moved to a deeper analysis of the crisis facing India’s agrarian economy, and the role that subsidies have played in alleviating or exacerbating the situation.

The Mumbai Media Forum featured presentations from leading experts on agriculture in India, including Professor M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. The Forum also provided journalists with an opportunity to discuss amongst themselves how coverage of India’s agrarian economy could be improved, and topics for future investigation and reporting.

Presentations:

Understanding the Role of Subsidies and Investment in Indian Agriculture
Ashok Gulati, Director in Asia, International Food Policy Research Institute – Presentation on describe the current state of subsidies to agriculture in India, their magnitude and impacts, and avenues for reform.
 
Agriculture Subsidies: Policies and Impacts
Dr. H K Amar Nath, Senior Economist, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy – Presentation on fertilizer and irrigation subsidies, why and how these subsidy policies have been formed, and identify some of the consequences of those subsidies on the livelihoods of Indian farmers.
 
Approaching the Subsidy Beast
Ronald Steenblik, GSI’s Director of Research - Presentation on subsidies globally and the impacts of badly designed agricultural subsidies through a series of illustrative examples from around the world.