Question : DISTRIBUTION OF MOLASSES

(a) whether the Government have fixed any norms and policy for the distribution of Molasses and price of the same in various States of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating their existing rates currently followed in various States in comparison with Tamil Nadu;

(c) the details of total production of Molasses alongwith its export and import during the said period;

(d) the measures taken by the Government to curb the illegal use of Molasses, its sale and distribution in the country;

(e) whether there is any Government agency to control and stop such illegal sale and distribution of Molasses in the country; and

(f) if so, the details in this regard?

THE MININISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SATYA BRATA MOOKHERJEE)

(a) to (f): The prices and distribution of molasses in the country were regulated under the Molasses Control Order 1961 till 10th June, 1993. As part of the liberalization policy of the Government of India, the Molasses Control Order, 1961 was rescinded on 10th June, 1993 with a view to removing controls on price and distribution of molasses throughout the country. Consequent upon the decontrol of molasses, the Central Government is not monitoring the production and prices of molasses. The State Governments have their own Acts and rules for controlling distribution and sale of molasses and for curbing its illegal use.

There is no import of molasses in the country. The export of molasses during the years 1997-98 and 1998-99 was 73514 MT and 9870 MT respectively