Question : Export of Maize

(a) the details of export of maize from the country during the last three years and the current year, year-wise; and
(b) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to promote maize exports from the country along with the outcome thereof?

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

(a) The details of export of maize from the country during the last three years and the current year, year-wise are as under:
Quantity in Ton; Value in USD Million
Year Quantity Value
2013-14 4267578.33 1009.91
2014-15 2825873.39 666.77
2015-16 697947.17 177.99
2016-17(upto Aug-16) 239844.97 57.32
Source: DGCI&S
(b) Encouraging exports of agricultural products (including maize) is a continuous process. The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA), an autonomous organisation under the Department of Commerce, provides financial assistance to the exporters through various components of its Plan Scheme viz. Infrastructure Development, Market Promotion, Quality Development and Transport Assistance. Besides these measures, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has put in place various schemes namely Market Development Assistance (MDA), Market Assistance Initiative (MAI) etc. to provide assistance to encourage exports.

The export of agricultural products depends on various factors including availability of surplus over and above the requirement of buffer stock including strategic reserve, if any, concerns of food security, diplomatic/humanitarian considerations, international demand and supply situation, quality standards in the importing countries, varieties traded and price competitiveness. Export of maize has fallen during the past two years due to a variety of factors such as supply side constraints due to poor crops, high domestic prices which have made exports uncompetitive, etc.
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