Question : QUALITY OF IMPORTED WHEAT



(a) whether the wheat imported from Australia and other countries contained a large number of exotic weeds;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons for accepting adulterated wheat;

(c) the extent of damage likely to be caused by these weeds to health and agriculture in the country;

(d) whether a team of scientists visiting United States have also reported presence of a large number of weeds in the wheat proposed to be imported to India;

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

(f) whether the Government has decided to revert back the policy of Zero Tolerance against any weed on quarantine list; and

(g) if so, the time by which it is likely to be implemented?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)

(a)&(b): 54.54 lakh MTs of wheat has been imported during the year 2006-07, as per tender specifications and conditions. The import consignments not conforming to the Phytosanitary specifications prescribed under Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, are not permitted entry into the country.

(c): Does not arise.

(d)&(e): As part of ongoing bi-lateral negotiations on plant health discussions were held with U.S. authorities in May, 2007. The request of the USA for relaxation of Phytosanitary norms regarding weed content in wheat consignments was not accepted by India, in view of likely threat of entry of quarantine weeds into the country.

(f)&(g): The wheat is imported into India according to the conditions stipulated in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. These conditions have been prescribed by undertaking Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) which is science based and in consonance with standards prescribed in the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The wheat shall be imported provided that it is free from quarantine weeds mentioned in Schedule VIII of the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003.