GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3963

ANSWERED ON:20.04.2010

IMPORT OF PULSES

(a)the total quantum of pulses imported during each of the last three years alongwith the countries from where it was imported;

(b)whether the said imports were undertaken at prices higher than domestic/ Minimum Support Price (MSP) of pulses;

(c)if so, the details thereof indicating the import price, domestic price and MSP at the time of import;

(d)whether the Government has evolved any mechanism to control the import of pulses in the country; (e)if so, the details thereof;

(f)whether import of pulses were allowed beyond the Government controlled arrangement; and

(g)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

 THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K. V. THOMAS)

(a):The details of the total quantity of pulses imported during the last three years along with the countries from where it was imported as per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics. (DGCI&S) is given in Annexure I.

(b):Domestic prices of pulses have been higher than the MSP. Imports were undertaken at prices lower than the domestic price.

(c):Does not arise.

(d) & (e):There is no mechanism to control the import of pulses. Government has allowed import of pulses at zero duty. In order to facilitate higher import of pulses there are two schemes in operation such as

(i)Scheme for import of pulses by PSUs against reimbursement of losses up to 15% of landed cost and service charge of 1.2% of CIF value

(ii)Distribution of imported pulses by State Governments through PDS, @ 1 kg per family per month at a subsidy of Rs, 10 per kg.

(f) & (g):In view of above, Does not arise.