(a) whether the Government proposes to import vegetable oil;
(b) if so, the details thereof, quantitywise, country-wise including Indonesia and Malaysia;
(c) whether any adverse effect on the producers of oil seeds in the country as a result of
such import; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to protect the interests of agriculturists?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) The Government does not propose to import Vegetable Oils. However, a Scheme was
introduced for distribution of upto 10 lakh tons of imported edible oils in 2008-09 with a
subsidy of Rs. 15/- per kg. through State Governments / UTs @ 1 kg. per ration card per
month through PDS shops / other outlets as decided by them. Under the scheme, orders have
been placed by the Central PSUs for import of 3.60 lakh tons of edible oils. It was decided
by the Government in November 2008 that no further import of edible oil under the Scheme would
be made. The import of edible oil has been allowed under Open General Licence (OGL) except
Coconut Oil.
(b)to (d): Does not arise.