(a) the quantity of wheat and rice imported in the country, separately since March
2007 alongwith the price of its import and the dates thereof;
(b) the quantum of wheat, rice and other foodgrains likely to be imported during the current year till March 2008 alongwith the price at which it is likely to be imported;
(c) the reasons for the said imports; and
(d) the distribution pattern of the imported wheat in the country?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a), (b), (c) & (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 51 DUE
FOR ANSWER ON 19.11.2007 IN THE LOK SABHA.
(a), (b) & (c): Imports of wheat and rice are permitted both on Government account and
on private account. Government has not imported any rice on its account since March
2007. As per data available, 1,12,949 tons of wheat and 26 tons of rice were imported
by private parties during the months March-June 2007. The prices at which private
imports have taken place are not readily available.
Government have imported 6,11,091 tons of wheat since March 2007. Out of this 1,76,210
tons are against tenders finalized in the financial year 2006-07. 4,34,881 tons are
deliveries against tenders finalized in financial year 2007-08. Date wise details of
prices and quantity imported are at Annex.
Government has decided to import 23 lakh tons of wheat for the Central Pool this year
out of which orders have been placed for import of 13.06 lakh tons. Out of the 13.06
lakh tons, 5.11 lakh tons of wheat has been ordered at weighted average price of US
$ 325.59 per ton C&F (FO) and 7.95 lakh tons at weighted average price of US $ 389.45
per ton C&F (FO).
It is difficult to forecast the exact quantum and price of wheat, rice and other
foodgrains likely to be imported till March 2008. Decisions on further imports either
on Government account or on private account will depend upon availability of adequate
quantity of wheat, rice and foodgains for PDS and Open Market. The Import by private
trade will depend upon commercial considerations while decisions on import by
Government is based on considerations of food security.
(d): Wheat imported by the Government is distributed for PDS/Welfare Schemes
in States other than major wheat growing areas in the country depending on the requirement
and availability.