Question : AGRI EXPORT ZONES

(a) the details of the Agri Export Zones (AEZs) set up in different parts of the country, State-wise and location-wise particularly in Odisha;

(b) whether there have been instances wherein AEZs have been sanctioned but have not become operational till date;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the steps taken by the Government to address their problems;

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up new AEZs across the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government has noticed any shortcomings in the functioning of the existing AEZs; and

(f) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to overcome these shortcomings?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) One AEZ for Ginger and Turmeric was set up at Kandhamal District of Odisha. The details of 60 AEZs state- wise and location wise are given at Annexure-I.

(b & c) No, Madam. All the 60 AEZs notified by DGFT have completed their span of five years.

(d) No, Madam. A peer evaluation of the existing AEZs was carried out in 2005 to assess the performance of AEZs. On the basis of the recommendations of the Peer Group in 2005, it was decided not to consider notification of new AEZs unless there were strong compelling reasons.

(e) Yes Madam. As mentioned at (d) above, Ministry of Commerce had set up a Peer Review Group to look into the performance of AEZs, Some of the important findings of the peer evaluation include i) Lack of ownership by Government Authority and their Agencies, ii) Lack of awareness about the scheme and its conceptual framework among stakeholders including State Government field establishments, iii) Lack of project orientation in the conceptual design of AEZ, iv) Lack of coordination/ monitoring system in AEZs, v) Non materialization of adequate public investment from Central and State Governments, vi) indiscreet proliferation of AEZs etc.

(f) The remedial action plan mainly aims at creating institutional/ administrative mechanism for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of AEZs and short listing of a few AEZs for special focus for their revival as well as to make them model AEZs.