Question : Import of Seeds

(a) the quantum and value of different varieties of canola, sunflower, cotton and soya seeds imported into the country during each of the last three years and the relaxation given in the criteria fixed for their import, country and variety-wise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to import different varieties of seeds including canola seeds in higher quantity during the current year and if so, the quantum and value thereof;
(c) whether any relaxation has been given for import permission at the port for seeds and any oil and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has received any proposal in this regard for imported seeds and if so, the details and the status thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) & (b): Import policy of oilseeds, including sunflower, cotton and soya seeds other than for sowing purposes is “free” subject to the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of import into India) Order 2003. The registered quantum and value of different varieties of seeds imported into the country during each of the last three years is annexed. Further, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is not directly importing any seeds from any country, since seeds as above can be freely imported in the country.

(c )& (d) : No, Madam.
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Country-wise Import of Soya, Sun flower and Cotton Seeds for the last three years (2013-14 to 2015-16) and the current financial year (Upto December, 2016)

ITCHS ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT OF QUANTITY COUNTRY 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
QTY VALUE
(US $) QTY VALUE (US $) QTY VALUE (US $) QTY VALUE (US $)
12019000 OTHER SOYA BEANS KGS BENIN 13953230 6522834
CANADA 68000 42918
DJIBOUTI 660000 384843 251000 116845
ETHIOPIA 5409556 3248929 17471500 10497226 36051000 19262720
FRANCE 306 2037
KOREA RP 200 109
MOZAMBIQUE 116000 69205
NIGERIA 252058 117365
TOGO 758240 336918
U ARAB EMTS 440000 461183 1000 1067
U S A 126000 113782 856000 748019 543000 451690
UGANDA 460000 328188
UKRAINE 1679000 746067
UNSPECIFIED 22000 20427
12060090 OTHER SUNFLOWER SEEDS W/N BROKEN KGS CHINA P RP 7000 9291 35000 47349 8000 10505
GERMANY 800 7406
U K 18 143
12072900 OTHER COTTON SEEDS KGS BENIN 952700 368195
TOGO 204320 83166