The Hindu Business Line : Grain Asia to discuss global trade dynamics

The meeting is expected to bring together many stakeholders including policymakers, leading corporates and multinationals in agri-business, trade and industry associations, Government agencies, bankers, service providers and related others such as marketing professionals for an in-depth discussion on business prospects.

The conference has been organised at the most opportune time as the world market is keenly watching developments in the Indian grain economy, said Mr Kailash Singh of Tefla's Conferences and Events, the organisers of Grain Asia 2004, adding that eminent speakers from India and abroad will share their insights into the dynamics of the global grain market and India's role in the emerging situation.

In recent years, India has been acknowledged as a key exporter of rice and wheat making notable impact on the world market.

The transformation from being an importer in the 1960s to an exporter in the 1990s has engaged the attention not only of policymakers worldwide but also players in the global grain market, who continue to watch the grain management policies and market developments in the country.

With most of the trade restrictions removed and futures trading in wheat and rice introduced, the domestic grain economy is free as never before and is slowly but surely integrating with the world market.

Yet, challenges remain. Sustaining production growth, encouraging crop diversification, buffer stock policies, infrastructure constraints and so on are issues that need attention.

The conference will not only survey the present situation but also formulate a roadmap for the future, Mr Singh said.