Question : RESTRICTION ON IMPORT OF WHEAT

(a) whether the farmers of wheat growing States and other Public figures have requested the Government to withdraw its decision to import wheat during the current year in view of its adverse impact on the farmers and the food sovereignty of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the Government proposes to revamp the procurement policy to provide better price to the farmers and improve the food security situation in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Representations have been received from some organizations representing farmers and few public figures requesting the Government to reconsider its decision to import wheat in 2007-08. The Government had taken steps during the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) by increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to Rs. 750/- per quintal which was Rs. 100/- per quintal more than the MSP fixed for wheat in RMS 2006-07. Further, an incentive bonus of Rs. 100/- per quintal of wheat over and above MSP was also given for the benefit of farmers as well as for enhancing procurement of wheat for the Central Pool.

(c) & (d): The Government already has a well defined procurement policy for procurement of foodgrains under which all the foodgrains conforming to the prescribed specifications offered for sale at specified centers are bought by the Government agencies at the Minimum Support Price fixed by the Government of India.