Question : EXPORT POLICY FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a long term consistent and predictable export-import policy of agricultural products;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of effect of inconsistent agricultural export policy on the farmers along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard;

(d) whether the Government proposes to allow a minimum level of quantity for export of select agri-commodities to help India become a stable force in the global market to overcome inconsistencies in farm export-import policy;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(f) whether the Government have received several representations requesting for lifting ban imposed on the various agricultural products and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a to c) The export of agricultural products depends on various factors including availability of surplus over and above the requirement of buffer stocks including strategic reserve, concerns of food security, diplomatic/humanitarian considerations, international demand and supply situation, quality standards in the importing countries, varieties traded and price competitiveness, need to strike a balance between remunerative prices to the growers and availability of agricultural products to common man at affordable prices etc. The Government takes into account the above factors before deciding on the export and import of agricultural commodities.

(d) No Madam.

(e) Does not arise.

(f) Yes, the Government have received several representations including VIP references requesting for lifting ban imposed on the various agricultural products. In view of the demand from various quarters and sufficient availability of many agricultural products in domestic market, Government has allowed the export of wheat, non-basmati rice, Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP) and Whole Milk Powder (WMP) under Open General License (OGL) during last one year. The Government has also allowed the export of Sugar and Casein under some restrictions during the same period. The permitted quantity of export of edible oils in small consumer packs of upto 5 kgs has also been increased.