Question : EXPORT OF FOODGRAINS

(a) whether the Government is planning to export foodgrains including wheat;

(b) if so, the details thereof, country wise, item-wise and quantity-wise;

(c) whether a panel has been constituted to examine the possibility of wheat export;

(d) if so, whether the said panel has given its recommendations to the Government;

(e) if so, the details in this regard and the steps taken by the Government thereon; and

(f) the precautionary measures taken by the Government to ensure that the export of foodgrains does not affect the food security in the country?

MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a), (b): Yes, Madam. In view of record production, procurement and comfortable stock position of wheat & Non-basmati rice in the Central Pool as well as in the country, the Government has permitted export of non-basmati rice under Open General License (OGL) by the private parties out of the privately held stocks vide DGFT Notification No.71(RE-2010)/2009-2014 dated 09-09-2011. The Government has also permitted export of wheat under Open General License vide DGFT Notification No.72(RE-2010)/2009-2014 dated 9.09.2011.

(c),(d)&(e): Yes, Madam. A panel headed by Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister has submitted a report recommending certain measures for effective management of surplus foodgrain stocks (wheat) in the Central Pool. The report inter-alia suggested export of 2 million tonnes of wheat from Central Pool Stock of FCI through the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) of the Department of Commerce. Subsequently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on 03.07.2012 has approved the export of 2 million tonnes of wheat from Central Pool stocks of Food Corporation of India (FCI) through Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) of Department of Commerce viz. State Trading Corporation (STC), Minerals & Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC) & Project & Equipments Corporation (PEC) at the cost determined by individual tenders subject to the floor price of US$ 228 per metric ton. These exports are to be completed by March 31, 2013.

(f): The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), while approving the proposal of Department of Commerce on 26.03.2012 for continuing unrestricted export of non-basmati rice & wheat from private stocks under OGL has advised that the pace and quantum of exports be closely monitored and the status placed before the EGoM for a review after two months. Hence, the export of wheat and non-basmati rice are being closely monitored by the Department of Commerce and the status of exports is being placed before the EGoM from time to time for review, for the purpose of ensuring that exports do not affect the domestic food security.