(a) whether the Government propose to import long staple fine quality cotton;
(b) if so, the quantity likely to be imported during the current financial year; and
(c) the reasons therefor?
(a) whether the Government propose to import long staple fine quality cotton;
(b) if so, the quantity likely to be imported during the current financial year; and
(c) the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) to (c): Import of cotton is under Open General Licence(OGL) since 19th April, 1994. From the current year`s budget an import duty of 5% (with 10% surcharge) has been imposed. The user mills and others relating to cotton and textile industry can import cotton within the framework of the Government policy. During the current cotton year 1999-2000 (Oct.-Sept.) import contracts of 10,95,360 bales(of 170 kg. each) have been registered with the Textile Commissioner during the period 1.1.2000 to 15.2.2000, however, the details of the actual import are yet to be reported. Import of cotton takes place depending upon the price and quality parameters.