(a) whether the Government proposes to promote agro products of the country and raise the existing import duty on the agro products imported from America for encouraging the domestic agro products;
(b) if so, the State-wise details of extent to which the agro industry of the country will be benefited; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a): Promotion of exports of agricultural commodities is a continuous process and Department of Commerce facilitates higher global exports. Raising or lowering of import duty to protect farmers, consumers etc is taken by the Government keeping its WTO commitments and bilateral, multilateral free trade agreements in view.
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(b) & (c): Government’s decision on raising import duty on MFN basis on edible oils, on pulses, etc are likely to benefit the farmers/processor.
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