Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
  2. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

International Grain Council
  • The International Grains Council (IGC) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1949 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
    • It was established in 1949 as the International Wheat Council, and its present name was adopted in 1995.
  • IGC includes all parties to the Grain Trade Convention, 1995. There are currently 30 member countries. Each member is classified as either an importer or exporter based on their average trade in grains, rice, and oilseeds. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
  • Nodal Agency: The Department of Food & Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution acts as the nodal agency on behalf of the Government of India in the International Grains Council.
  • Governance: The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the IGC are elected annually by the council members.
  • Council Sessions: The IGC convenes two regular Council Sessions each year. These sessions are held either in London or in member countries by invitation.
  • Objectives: To promote international cooperation in the area of grains trade, provide an international platform for discussion and coordination of grain policies, and enhance world food security.
  • Grains covered: The IGC monitors and reports on the global markets for wheat, maize (corn), rice, and other coarse grains like barley, sorghum, and oats.
  • Functions: Its main functions include collecting and disseminating information on grain production, consumption, stocks, trade, and prices, as well as analyzing and forecasting market trends.
  • Publications: The IGC publishes several regular reports, including the “Grain Market Report” which provides detailed assessments of global grain supply and demand, as well as projections for the current and upcoming marketing years.
  • Grain Trade Convention: The IGC also administers the Grains Trade Convention, an international agreement that aims to promote international cooperation in grains trade and to further market stability.