Question : IMPORT OF SOYABEAN FROM AMERICA

(a) whether the Government have decided to import 10 lakh tons of Soyabean from America;

(b) whether it is also a fact that this soyabean is unfit for human consumption;

(c) if so, whether the Government are aware that importers from Europe and Japan have refused to take this genetic Soyabean of America in 1998 after discovering five types of weeds and seven types of viral therein;

(d) if so, the reasons for importing such soyabeans;

(e) whether the Government propose to cancel this import deal of soyabean; and

(f) if so, by when and if not the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH )

(a) to (f) : Soyabean in split and cracked form is classified under Exim Code No. 12010000.20 of ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and Import Items, 1997-2002 and import of this item is free since 15.10.1998, subject to plant quarantine conditions. Consignments not meeting the plant quarantine conditions and other human, animal and plant safety norms would be appropriately dealt with by the authorities through measures including but not limited to, denial of entry at the port of disembarkment and /or reshipment.