(a) the total quantity and value of soyabean, potato and double dollar chana imported and exported by the Government during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to discontinue import of these products keeping in view the interests of farmers; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) The total quantity and value of soyabean, potato and chana imported and exported by the Government during the last three years and the current year, year-wise, is given below:
Import:
Item 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 * (April to December)
Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh) Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh) Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh) Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh)
Chana (Chickpeas) 276131 84283 418877 133496 1031487 445372 421017 259257
Potato 863 98 0 0 0 0 0 0
Soyabean 515 292 6312 2343 20712 8190 52229 18102
Source: DGCI&S / * Provisional
Export:
Item 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17* (April to December)
Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh) Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh) Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh) Quantity (in Tonne) Value (in Rs. Lakh)
Chana (Chickpeas) 333806 167675 190226 102157 217056 133764 61209 57450
Potato 224706 25592 393594 84397 280469 36622 236489 44192
Soyabean 162523 74471 223874 99266 185860 82806 108525 46589
Source: DGCI&S / * Provisional
(b)& (c ): No, Madam. Presently, there is no proposal to discontinue import of soyabean, potato and chana. Frequent changes in import/export policy measures create a situation of uncertainty and undermine credibility of the country as a reliable source. Discontinuing/banning import/exports at slightest indication of increase in prices or bumper production of agricultural products in the country is also undesirable in view of our increasing integration with world trade and our commitment to international organizations like the WTO. It is prudent to pursue a long term, stable and predictable policy regarding Agri-exports or imports by minimizing short term and ad-hoc decisions.
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