Question : Ban on Indian Agricultural Products

(a) whether some countries have imposed a ban on the import of various agricultural products/produce from India including fisheries and other marine products, till date;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, product and countrywise;
(c) the details of the losses incurred by Indian farmers as a result thereof;
(d) whether the Government has initiated dialogue with the respective countries to lift ban on Indian agricultural products/produce including fisheries products; and
(e) if so, the details and the outcome thereof along with the other corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The information regarding ban by various countries on import of agricultural products from India (including fisheries and other marine products), presently in force, is as under:

Country Product Reason for Ban/Suspension
Saudi Arabia& Kuwait Raw Frozen Shrimps Emergence of epidemic diseases affecting Shrimp, especially White Spot Syndrome Virus Disease. Kuwait has also imposed a temporary ban on Indian farmed shrimps.
Saudi Arabia& Kuwait Fishes Unclear health situation of the cultured fish originating from India.
Canada Head-on shell –on shrimp No zoo-sanitary export certificate negotiated with the competent authority for aquatic animal health in India.
Australia Raw frozen shrimp / prawn Suspended due to the stringent Bio security advice 2009/25 published by the Australian Government on final Import Risk Analysis Report for Prawns and Prawn Products.
Mexico Dry Chilli Suspended due to detection of Trogoderma larva.
Saudi Arabia Horticultural products from Kerala Due to outbreak of Nipah Virus.
UAE Poultry products Due to outbreak of Avian Influenza.

(c) It is not feasible to quantify the losses suffered by the farmers due to such bans as alternative avenues for disposal of the produce, both domestic and international, are always available.
(d & e) The Government takes all possible steps to get the bans on import of Indian agricultural products lifted at the earliest. The matter has been taken up with the relevant authorities in the respective countries through Indian Embassies. Corrective action, if required, is being taken to eliminate the cause of ban. A positive response is awaited from these countries.
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