New Delhi (PTI): The Centre may extend duty-free import of raw sugar beyond August 1 and may not allow export of wheat and non-Basmati rice, Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Monday said.
In his maiden press conference after assuming charge of Ministries of Agriculture and Food & Public Distribution for a second term, Pawar said the Centre could consider extending the deadline of raw sugar import incentives beyond August 1.
But he disfavoured a suggestion to extend the beneficial import period for refined sugar. "...But we are not encouraging import of white sugar," Mr. Pawar said.
Public sector undertakings — MMTC, PEC and STC — have been allowed to import 10 lakh tonnes of refined sugar at zero duty by August 1. On import of raw sugar, the government while abolishing customs duty, has also exempt mills from export and levy obligations if contracts are signed by August 1.
The minister, though listed record production and procurement of wheat and rice during his last tenure (2004- 2009) as major achievements, refrained from making any announcement on allowing export of foodgrains, which are banned.
Asked whether the export ban on wheat and non-Basmati rice would be lifted, Pawar said the availability has to be assessed as the government has to fulfill the Congress Party's promise of providing 25 kg of rice or wheat to families below poverty line (BPL).
"I don't want to go in a hurry for lifting ban on export. Because, if the government is going to take the responsibility to supply a particular quantity to everybody at a particular rate, first I will have to see my stock position," he said.
He said there is a need to keep more stocks for the proposed policy of compulsory distribution of foodgrain.
"The decision on lifting export needs careful deliberation," he said, adding the government might consider allowing export of 'wheat products'.
The minister also indicated that the ban on futures trading in rice, tur and urad would continue.
"I don't think they (FMC) are considering any such proposal. So, it should be presumed that the ban will continue," Mr. Pawar said when asked if the government would lift ban on futures trading in these commodities.
The Forward Markets Commission (FMC) had lifted a two-and half-year ban on wheat futures on May 15.
Mr. Pawar also ruled out imposition of import duty on edible oils saying he would safeguard consumers' interest.
Source : The Hindu