(a) whether the Government propose to increase the import duty on coffee;
(b) whether the Government have any scheme for coffee growers to overcome their crisis situation;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government have any proposal to procure coffee through NAFED and export to consumer countries; and
(e) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
a) No, Sir.
b & c) The Government of India through the Coffee Board, besides operating several plan schemes and developmental activities aimed at intensive cultivation, replanting programmes, quality improvement programmes and water augmentation programmes, has also been providing necessary support in the form of agricultural research, extension, arrangement of credit and finance and other necessary backup support like supply of seed for planting purposes, etc. Further, the Govt. monitors the price situation of the commodities including coffee and takes appropriate steps, if necessary.
d) No, Sir.
e) Does not arise.