(a) whether the TRIFED has stopped procurement of NIAER form the tribals;
(b) if so, whether the tribals are able to get adequate price for the NIAER from buyers
in the open market; and
(c) whether the Government have fixed the minimum price of NIAER?
MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI JUAL ORAM)
(a) There is no such item as NIAER being procured by TRIFED. However, TRIFED
has not stopped procurement of NIGER form the tribals.
(b) During the crop year 1999-2000 tribals were able to get adequate prices for the
Niger Seed form buyers in the open market. The ruling prices were much higher
then the support prices of Rs. 9,150.00 per metric tonne declared by Government of
India. TRIFED has procured at the price ranging from Rs. 14,500.00 to 17,000.00
per metric tonne.
(c) Yes, Govt. of India has fixed minimum support price of Rs. 9150.00 per metric
tonne for Niger Seed during 1999-2000.