(a) The quantity of arecanut imported during each of last three years
and the current year, country-wise;
(b) Whether the prices of arecanut has decreased due to import during
the above period, and
(c) If so, the steps taken by the Government to check the import of arecanut
and save the domestic industry?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
a) The information is appended.
b) The percentage share of imported Arecanut is not significant to the
total production. Thus the chances of domestic prices being affected
due to import of Arecanut are very remote.
c) The Government is closely monitoring the imports and is committed to
ensure through tariff and other measures that imports do not cause injury
to the domestic farmers. In order to adequately protect the domestic farmers
interest, the duty on import of Arecanut (Betel Nut) has not been reduced from
100% during the last six years (i.e. from 07.07.2000). Duty free imports for exports
purposes do not affect the domestic farmers, as imports are with Actual User
Condition and imported stock cannot be diverted to Domestic Tarrif Area.
Appendix
APPENDIX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 213 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 25.7.2006
REGARDING “IMPORT OF ARECANUTâ€.