Lok Sabha Question No. 3782 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-19
Subject: Export-Import Policy
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: SRIRAM MALYADRI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3782 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 th  MARCH,2018

## EXPORT-IMPORT POLICY

## 3782. SHRI MALYADRI SRIRAM:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वािणÏय एवं उɮयोग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) the  salient  features  of  the  current  Export-Import  policy  of  the  Government  with respect to agriculture products/ produce;
- (b) whether  Indian  farmers  are  getting  maximum  prices  for  their  produce  despite excessive import of Agriculture/food products and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to review the said Export-Import policy; and
- (d) if so, the details  thereof  along  with  the  other  remedial  steps  taken  by  the Government?

## ANSWER

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THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) The export and import policy for agricultural products is framed keeping several factors in mind  such as availability of surplus over the domestic requirements (including the requirement  of  buffer  stock  and  strategic  reserve,  if  any),  concerns  of  food  security, diplomatic/humanitarian  considerations,  international  demand  and  supply  situation,  price competitiveness, need to balance between remunerative prices to the growers and availability of agricultural products to common man at affordable  prices etc.

So far as export policy is concerned, the only major agricultural commodity, export of which is prohibited, is edible oils. However, several exemptions have been allowed and bulk export of  Groundnut  oil,  Sesame  oil,  Soyabean  oil,  Maize  (Corn)  oil,  Rice  Bran  oil,  Coconut  oil, Organic edible oils and minor forest produce oils is permitted. Exports of all edible oils are also  allowed  in  consumer  packs  of  up  to  5  Kgs  subject  to  Minimum  Export  Price  of  USD 900/MT.  Export  of  all  other  agricultural  products  is  permitted  subject  to  fulfilment  of conditions specified for individual products.

As regards import policy, import of agricultural products is allowed subject to fulfilment of phytosanitary requirements and other conditions specified for individual products. However, some quantitative restrictions (2 lakh MT p.a. for Tur and 3 lakh MT p.a. for Moong &Urad) have been imposed on import of pulses.

- (b) The prices of agricultural commodities depend on several factors such as demand and supply situation (both domestic and international), prevailing international prices, quality etc. So far

as imports are concerned, India's import of agricultural commodities is dominated by edible oils and pulses, which are in short supply in India and imports are necessary. Import of other commodities is not large enough to impact the domestic price in any significant way.

- (c  &  d)  The  review  of  Export-Import  Policy  for  agricultural  products  is  an  ongoing  process.  The policies in respect of individual products are framed on the basis of prevailing situation after consultation with the line Ministries/Departments such as Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Consumer  Affairs, Food  &  Public Distribution etc. and other stakeholders.

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