Lok Sabha Question No. 2790 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-20
Subject: Discontinuation of Agro Imports
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: CHINTAMANI MALVIYA, RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2790(H) TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 th  MARCH, 2017

## DISCONTINUATION OF AGRO IMPORTS

## 2790(H). PROF. CHINTAMANI MALVIYA: DR. RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY:

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

- (a) the total quantity and value of soyabean, potato and double dollar chana imported and exported by the Government during the last three years and the current year, year-wise;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to discontinue import of these products keeping in view the interests of farmers; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

## (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

- (a) The total quantity and value of soyabean, potato and  chana imported and exported by the Government during the last three years and the current year, year-wise, is given below:

## Import:

| Item              | 2013-14             | 2013-14              | 2014-15              | 2014-15             | 2015-16              | 2015-16             | 2016-17 * (April to December)   | 2016-17 * (April to December)   |
|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|----------------------|---------------------|----------------------|---------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|                   | Quantity (in Tonne) | Value (in Rs. Lakh ) | Quantit y (in Tonne) | Value (in Rs. Lakh) | Quantit y (in Tonne) | Value (in Rs. Lakh) | Quantit y (in Tonne)            | Value (in Rs. Lakh)             |
| Chana (Chickpeas) | 276131              | 84283                | 418877               | 13349 6             | 103148 7             | 44537 2             | 421017                          | 25925 7                         |
| Potato            | 863                 | 98                   | 0                    | 0                   | 0                    | 0                   | 0                               | 0                               |
| Soyabean          | 515                 | 292                  | 6312                 | 2343                | 20712                | 8190                | 52229                           | 18102                           |

Source: DGCI&S / * Provisional

| Export:           |                     |                     |                     |                     |                     |                     |                              |                              |
|-------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Item              | 2013-14             | 2013-14             | 2014-15             | 2014-15             | 2015-16             | 2015-16             | 2016-17* (April to December) | 2016-17* (April to December) |
|                   | Quantity (in Tonne) | Value (in Rs. Lakh) | Quantity (in Tonne) | Value (in Rs. Lakh) | Quantity (in Tonne) | Value (in Rs. Lakh) | Quantity (in Tonne)          | Value (in Rs. Lakh)          |
| Chana (Chickpeas) | 333806              | 167675              | 190226              | 102157              | 217056              | 133764              | 61209                        | 57450                        |
| Potato            | 224706              | 25592               | 393594              | 84397               | 280469              | 36622               | 236489                       | 44192                        |
| Soyabean          | 162523              | 74471               | 223874              | 99266               | 185860              | 82806               | 108525                       | 46589                        |

Source: DGCI&S / * Provisional

(b)& (c ): No,  Madam.    Presently,  there  is  no  proposal  to  discontinue  import  of soyabean, potato and  chana.  Frequent changes in import/export policy measures create a situation  of  uncertainty  and  undermine  credibility  of  the  country  as  a  reliable  source. Discontinuing/banning import/exports at slightest indication of increase in prices or bumper production  of  agricultural  products  in  the  country  is  also  undesirable  in  view  of  our increasing  integration  with  world  trade  and  our  commitment  to  international  organizations like the WTO.  It is prudent to pursue a long term, stable and predictable policy regarding Agri-exports or imports by minimizing short term and ad-hoc decisions.

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