Question : Import of Wheat

(a) whether the Government proposes to cut import and release the inferior quality wheat procured recently by FCI to mitigate the adverse impact of cheaper imports and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;

(b) whether the Government proposes to impose import duty on wheat and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether there is any proposal to impose import duty on other food items including rice, pulses and oilseeds, if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

(a): At present, there is no import of wheat on Government account. FCI supplies foodgrains conforming to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms under various schemes of Government of India. Wheat procured during Rabi Marketing Season 2015-16 under relaxed specification, is also being issued under all Government of India schemes as the same conforms to FSSAI norms.
(b): Import duty on wheat @ 10% has been imposed by Government vide notification dated 7th August, 2015.
(c): There is no proposal currently under consideration of the Government to impose import duty on pulses. Rice and oilseeds are already subject to customs duty.
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