Question : IMPORT OF WHEAT

(a) whether the wheat has been imported on the large scale from the countries like Australia and Brazil during the last three years;

(b) if so, the quantity and rate of import, country-wise, year-wise;

(c) whether the price of the wheat imported from other countries was less than that of wheat produced in the country;

(d) if so, whether the rate of production of wheat in the said countries is less than India;

(e) if so, the reasons for higher price of wheat in India in comparison to the said countries;

(f) whether the Government propose to ban the import of wheat in the interest of Indian farmers; (g) if so, the details thereof; (h) whether FCI has been allowed to intervene in the market in this regard; and (i) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI SRIRAM CHAUHAN )

(a) & (b): The details of wheat imported on Government account during 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 are as under:-

Year	Country	Quantity (in lakh tones)	Price PMP (in US$)
1997-98	Australia	2.43	153.40(FOB)	7.75	152.65(FOB)
1998-99	Australia	14.15	142.50(FOB)
1999-2000	-	-