Question : SPECIAL SCHEME FOR EXPORT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

(a) whether the Government has recently launched any special scheme to increase the export of agricultural products;

(b) if so, the names of agricultural products included in the said scheme and incentives extended to the exporters;

(c) the total value of the agricultural produces exported during the year 2003-04 and till date and the export expected to increase in response to the launch of new scheme;

(d) whether there has been successive decline in the export of agricultural products during the last three years; and

(e) if so, the reasons therefor and details thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)

(a) Yes, Sir. In the Foreign Trade Policy 2004-09 announced on 31st August 2004, Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana has been introduced with an objective to promote export of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Minor Forest Produce and their value added products.

(b) Export of items as given in Para 3.8.2.1 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2004-09 qualify for Duty Credit Scripts equivalent to 5% of FOB value of exports.

(c) As per DGCI&S Data the total value of Agricultural products (excluding Tea, Coffee, Marine, Cotton & Castor Oil) exported during 2003-04 is to the extent of Rs.23,839/- Crores. It would however not be possible to predict expected increase as it depends on various factors including demand and supply position, Domestic and International prices, Consumer preferences, etc.

(d) & (e) :As per DGCI&S export data there has not been any decline in export of Agricultural products during the last three years.