GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 68
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
SURRENDER OF PROJECTS BY SEZ DEVELOPERS
68. SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether several Special Economic Zone developers have approached Government to
surrender their projects, if so, the details thereof; and
b) whether Government has since decided to re-allocate the SEZs to new developers or any
other strategy would be initiated to make use of SEZ lands, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
a) & b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
***********************
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO. 68 FOR ANSWER ON 29TH APRIL 2015 REGARDING “SURRENDER OF
PROJECTS BY SEZ DEVELOPERS”
(a):
On the request of the SEZ Developers, the Board of Approval (BoA) on Special
Economic Zones (SEZs) has approved for cancellation of formal
approval/notification in respect of 124 SEZs, since 2008-09. Year-wise details of
the number of the SEZs approved by the BoA, on the request of the SEZ
Developers, for de-notification/cancellation of approval are as under:Financial Year
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
Total
(b):
No. of SEZs approved for
denotification/cancellation of approval on
the Developer’s request
1
24
24
28
18
14
15
124
As per Entry No. 18 of the State List in the 7th schedule of the Constitution of India,
land is a State subject. De-notification/cancellation of SEZ is approved subject to
refund of all duties and tax benefits availed by the SEZ Developer and on receipt
of ‘No-objection’ from the concerned State Government. Central Government
ceases to have any role upon the denotification of a SEZ. It is within the purview
of the concerned State Government to ensure that the utilization of such de-notified
land is as per their laws/guidelines.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 591
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
IMPORT POLICY FOR MARBLE
591(H). SHRI NARAYAN LAL PANCHARIYA:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) the policy of import of marble in the country;
b) whether the present import policy is being changed; and
c) if so, the reasons therefor and the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a)
The marble is covered under two chapters of ITC(HS) code, 68 and 25. The
import of rough marble is covered under ITC (HS) code 25151100 and 25151210
and is restricted for import. The import policy for marble under these ITC(HS)
codes is issued annually. The present import policy has been notified vide
Directorate General of Foreign Trade notification No.99 dated 20th November
2014 (the same is available at DGFT website – dgft.gov.in). The import of
marble in finished form is covered under ITC(HS) code 68021000, 68022110,
68022120, 68022190, 68029100 and 68029200 and is ‘free’ for import provided
that the minimum import price is US$60 per square meter and maximum
thickness of slab is 20 mm (notification No. 100 dated 5th December 2014). This
is available at DGFT website – dgft.gov.in.
(b)&(c)
The import policy of marble is issued annually after consultation with the stake
holders and concerned State Governments. So far, the process of consultation
for marble import policy for the year 2015-16 has not begun.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 592
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
INCREASING EXPORT OF IRON ORE
592. SHRI B. K. HARIPRASAD:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether Government has any proposal to increase the export of iron ore;
b) if so, whether negotiations have been made with some countries in this regard
including present target of export with existing iron ore sharing country;
c) if so, the countries to which iron ore is proposed to be exported in the coming years;
and
d) the quantum of iron ore proposed to be exported to those countries from Karnataka?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) The export of iron-ore is presently under Open General License (OGL). High
grade iron-ore (+64% Fe) is canalized through MMTC. Exports are determined by
availability and international market situations.
(b) to (d) Government has Long Term Agreements for supply of high grade iron-ore
to Japan and South Korea through MMTC. A proposal for renewal of LTAs (for 3
years w.e.f 1.4.2015) is under way. Negotiations on quantity to be supplied and price
thereof, shall commence after approval of renewal of LTAs. Iron-ore exports to Japan
and South Korea under the LTA are largely made from NMDC mines in Bailadila,
Chhattisgarh
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 593
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
BAN ON IMPORT OF MARBLE
593(H). SHRI NARAYAN LAL PANCHARIYA:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether the marble traders of the country have demanded to impose ban on the import of
marble;
b) if so, the details of action taken thereon; and
c) whether it is a fact that due to import of marble, lakhs of labourers are being deprived of
wages?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a)
No, Sir. No such representation has been received.
(b)
Question does not arise.
(c)
No, Sir. The import of rough marble is ‘restricted’ and only a limited
quantity of high value rough marble is permitted for import that
constitutes a small percentage of country’s total marble production
and consumption.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 594
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
IMPACT OF GLOBAL RECESSION ON COTTON GROWERS
594. SHRI SANJAY RAUT:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a)
b)
c)
d)
whether it is a fact that cotton production is surplus in the country due to global recession;
if so, the details thereof and its impact on cotton growers in the country;
whether Government has taken any specific steps for finding any alternative export market; and
if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b) As per the Second Advance Estimates of Ministry of Agriculture, India’s
production of cotton during 2014-15 was 351.52 lakh bales (of 170 Kg each) as
compared to 359.02 lakh bales in 2013-14 and 356.02 lakh bales in 2012-13.
However, compared to the corresponding period of 2013-14, export of raw cotton
during 2014-15 (Apr – Feb 2015), has declined by 41.32% in quantity terms and
46.60% in value terms. As exports account for a substantial share of India’s
production of cotton, the decline in exports has resulted in a surplus for the
domestic market and has impacted the cotton growers. Cotton Corporation of India
(CCI) has undertaken large MSP operations in all cotton growing States.
(c) & (d) For safeguarding the interests of cotton growers in general and disposal of
cotton to be procured under the MSP operations in particular, Ministry of Textiles
has written to Indian High Commissions/Embassies in cotton deficit countries like
Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand to explore new avenues for
export of cotton for stabilizing cotton prices in India.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 597
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
RE-ENERGISING INDIA-EU BTIA
597. SHRI ANAND SHARMA:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether it is a fact that India and the European Union have agreed to re-energize
negotiations for India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA);
b) if so, the details thereof;
c) whether any new proposal on coverage of tariff lines and tariff reduction have been
exchanged; and
d) if so, the likely date of recommencement of negotiations?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
a) & b): No, Sir. However, India proposes to re-energize the India-EU BTIA.
c) & d): Does not arise.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 598
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
DECLINING TREND OF TEA EXPORTS
598. SHRI BALWINDER SINGH BHUNDER:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether the Indian tea exports have been under severe strain with declining trend of exports;
b) whether the competitiveness of the Indian tea export would be further eroded by recent
reduction in export benefit to the sector under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS);
c) whether Indian Tea Association has represented in this behalf;
d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of Government thereto; and
e) what efforts are being made to increase the competitiveness of Indian tea exports?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a):
Volume of export of Indian tea during 2014-15 has been lower than the level registered
during 2013-14 primarily on account of fall in production of Assam Orthodox tea caused by
delayed rains. Other factors that have contributed to the decline are increased supplies from Kenya
leading to reduced average price of US$ 2.14/kg in the international market, and fall in demand in
the high-value markets such as USA, Iran and Russia.
(b):
The objective of the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme is to promote, inter alia,
export of value added teas with a view to gain maximum foreign exchange earnings as against the
export of bulk teas, which have limited potential for branding of India Tea. As per the Foreign
Trade Policy (2015-2020) notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) most of
the teas in packaged or value added form will receive reward at the rate of 5% of Free on Board
(FOB) value for export to various destinations, whereas tea in bulk form including tea waste and
other black tea will be eligible for reward at the rate of 3% of FOB value.
(c), (d) & (e): Representation has been received from the Indian Tea Association suggesting
restoration of the reward rate for bulk tea exports from 3% to 5% of FOB value as available under
the previous Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Such representations are regularly reviewed by the
Government as part of updation of the FTP. Tea Board also has a strategy for increasing export
of Indian tea with added focus on value-added teas. This includes setting up value-addition
infrastructure, branding and sustained promotion in the key markets.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 601
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
EXPORT MADE THROUGH EOUs
601. SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) the country-wise quantum and value of export made through the Export Oriented Units (EOUs)
along with its share to total exports of the country during each of the last three years and the
current year;
b) the amount of incentives and tax concessions provided to these units during the said period;
c) whether Government has taken note of misuse of such incentives and tax concessions by some
of the units; and
d) if so, the details thereof indicating the complaints received/reported in this regard during the
said period along with the action taken/proposed to be taken thereon?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) : The value of export made through the Export Oriented Units (EOUs) along with
its share in total exports of the country during each ofs the last three years and the
current year is as under:
(Value in Rupees Crores)
Year
EOU’s Exports
India’s Exports
EOU’s % share
of India’s
Exports
2011-12
85201.02
1,465,959.39
5.8
2012-13
90180.67
1,634,318.28
5.5
2013-14
89642.09
1,905,011.08
4.7
*2014-15 (prov.)
64321.30
1,444,720.12
4.45
* Country-wise detail for 2014-15 is not available.
Country-wise export data for 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 is at Annex-I.
(b) : The amount of incentives and tax concessions provided to these units during
the said period is as under:
(Value in Rupees Crores)
S.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Year
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15 (prov.)
CST/DBK/TED
Reimbursement
295.54
405.31
271.65
305.60
Duty foregone
8996.80
11528.45
12834.39
7813.25
(c) : The incentives and tax concessions are as per the Foreign Trade Policy and are
in the nature of export promotion measures. Wherever, an instance of misuse of
such incentives and concessions is noted, prompt action is taken as per rules.
(d): Details of Show Cause Notices issued and Penalty imposed for misuse of
incentives and tax concessions and violations of provisions of FTP are as under:
S.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Year
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15 (prov.)
********
No. of cases
43
40
59
49
Annex-I
Country-wise Exports from EOUs
2011-12
Country
2012-13
Exports
Country
(In Rs Cr)
2.7145
Abidjan
Agadir
0.7348
Abu Dhabi
Albania
1.5913
Afghanistan
Algeria
American Samoa
Country
(In Rs Cr)
Afghanistan
Alexandria
2013-14
Exports
Exports
(In Rs Cr)
0.2608
1.632
2.8385
Abidjan
Afghanistan
Africa
1.2985
112.4316
0.019
0.2413
Albania
3.43115
Albania
2.5814
53.6767
Albenia
0.07
Algeria
112.4815
0.8977
Algeria
42.719
0.5328
Amsterdam
0.6911
Almaty
Angola
54.2055
Angola
6.1784
American Samoa
0.9904
Anguilla
0.0293
Andorra
0.1223
Antigua
1.9404
Angola
9.5881
Antwerp
Argentina
3.618
147.6897578
1.9311
Australia
1033.558468
Argentina
189.9291
373.3188
Arlington
5.215
Argentina
Armenia
0.9996
Armenia
Azerbaijan
2.7848
Bahamas
0.1183
Astonia
Bahrain
8.3276
Australia
Bamako Mali
5.4945
Austria
Bangladesh
330.1038
Apapa
0.05
0.9232
5.0407
212.9032
0.3083
Australia
1276.979
Austria
261.5926
Azerbaijan
4.2366
0.666
Bahamas
2.5113
0.0258
Bahamas
2.0473
Bahrain
23.0614
Belarus
4.2353
Bahrain
11.2666
Belgium
470.4399009
13.8081
Bhutan
3.6995
Bolivia
1.7212
Bosnia
0.006
Botswana
Brazil
Brazivilli Congo
Brembate
Bridport
38.8438
1125.79897
Azerbaijan
0.24
1179.5613
Antwerp
Barcelona
Benin
974.2020395
1.26
Antigua/Barbuda
Armenia
Austria
Antigua
1.4
American Samoa
Bamako Mali
Bangkok
Bangladesh
7.0748
0.28
903.648952
Bamako Mali
Bangladesh
Barbodos
Basel
2.3333
839.3061
0.018
0.84
Bangui
0.2958
Belarus
6.9524
Barcelona
0.3197
Belgium
751.448
Bbc
0.0202
Benin
Belarus
10.5284
0.86
Belgique
0.0394
0.0076
Belgium
510.22918
17.22506
Berlin
0.0895
Bermuda
0.0062
Bhutan
0.195
0.499
Belize
1.0092
Bolivia
3.3466
British Virgin Island
0.8018
Benin
13.864
Bosnia
0.043
Brunei
0.4545
Bermuda
0.0659
Botswana
154.3991
Buenaventura
0.9261
Bhutan
0.1442
Brazil
Buenosaries
0.0668
Birminghm
0.1934
Bridgetown
0.9003
17.839039
Bolivia
2.9389
Brit. Virgin Is.
0.1943
13.9201
Bosnia
0.06
Brunei
0.6803
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burma
2.2125
Burundi
14.0339
Botswana
Cambodia
19.5553
Brazil
Cambridga
0.2171
Cameroon
Canada
Caribbea
55.58692
1400.628993
0.26
Bosnia And Herzegovina
British Virgin Island
0.0594
Bulgaria
34.24049
101.7769
Burkina Faso
43.1488
1031.6773
Burkina-Faso
3.27
0.01
Burma
Buenos Aires
0.8619
Burundi
Bukavu
0.6864
Cambodia
Bulgaria
996.375
26.589926
Cameron
2.3762
8.091
16.1253
0.13
Central African
Republic
0.3189
Burkina Faso
33.898
Cameroon
Chad
2.5297
Burma
1.8497
Chicago
0.6043
Burundi
12.0907
Canada
Canton And Enderbury
Island
58.9513
1800.539
0.0267
Chile
58.8765
Camaroon
0.22
Cape Varde
0.3725
China
4683.184117
Cambodia
19.7826
Cape Verde
0.2738
Colombia
83.1103138
Cameroon
23.3818
Cayman Islands
0.6174
Colombo
0.0178
Canada
Comoros
1.0188
Canakry - Guinea
Congo
Chad
2.7437
16.0491
0.09
Chile
46.3226
8.126
Central African Republic
2.2716
China
1743.084
Costa Rice
0.724
Chad
1.7337
Colombia
68.62375
Cotonou
Croatia
Cuba
Caribbea
Central African Republic
1.61
Costa Rica
Cote D' Ivorie
38.4651
1532.1465
11.8111
Chile
61.3905
0.35
China
2671.5878
20.1776
0.8243888
Comoros
Congo
0.6398
78.4518
Colombia
94.337
Constanta
Comoros
0.6986
Cossato
0.1223
Costa Rica
4.3012
Curacao
0.131
Cyprus
33.991
Congo
87.0478
Czech Republic
48.7311
Cossato
0.2486
Cote D' Ivorie
Czecholslovakia
18.4171
Costa Rica
9.8382
Croatia
33.381
Cote D' Ivorie
7.1166
Cuba
3.4699
Dakar
Demark
Denmark
0.78
7.5067
374.192317
Conakry
Croatia
Cuba
19.7652
Costarica
1.6
10.9087
Cyprus
44.5441
4.09
Czech Republic
57.3418
196.7574
Czecholslovakia
20.0827
Dijbouti
0.1731
Djbouty
0.1602
Czech Republic
64.484
Denmark
0.09
Czecholslovakia
13.6374
Dijbouti
0.2143
0.0472
Djibouti
1.3203
Doha
0.1485
Doha
Dominican Republic
Dubai
Durban
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Espain
Estonia
Ethiopia
Europe
European Union
12.5193839
113.5453
Cyprus
0.22
0.06
Darrusalam
Denmark
434.6283
0.07
Dijbouti
0.6904
Dominica
0.0242
Djbouty
0.1757
Dominican Republic
Doha
0.3381
Dubai
11.96373
243.0537318
5.4052
11.8484
0.4656
1.2244
Dominican Republic
Dubai
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
23.3955
104.2311
0.5488
22.5983
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
0.128
28.645
58.54416
0.0275
23.8378
159.0207
8.6095
222.1091
England
149.6708
El Salvador
11.0854
Eritrea
8.8182
2630.70624
El Salvodor
0.12
Espana
0.33
22
Eritrea
4.0589
Fiji
3.50185
Espana
0.13
Finland
59.8872
Estonia
1.0372
France
1545.4951
Ethiopia
190.6243
French Guiana
0.0275
Europe
2483.0095
Gabon
6.9335
European Union
Gambia
General Currency
Area
0.1928
Fiji
3.683
Finland
87.7748
Georgia
3.5368
France
1271.7408
Germany
East Timor
538.9067
3234.476861
French Guiana
Estonia
0.63
2.2088
Ethiopia
354.0789
Europe
2621.649
European Union
Fiji
30.66
0.2344
25.01
Finland
133.9773
8.6784
France
1442.987
0.83
French Guiana
0.2671
Gabon
24.6516
Gambia
7.5398
Ghana
204.3592
Gabon
11.3129
Greece
65.286319
Gambia
2.9985
Guatemala
0.56
Georgia
5.4065
Germany
3991.301
0.8142
General Currency Area
5.2035
Ghana
325.9483
Guvana
0.2075
Georgia
7.8631
Greece
65.5843
4.4519
Germany
Grenada
0.0403
Haiti
Gautemala
7.7346
Guinea
Guyana
25.4278
General Currency Area
3421.37
22.4206
Ghana
221.5959
Guarulhos
0.41
Hamburg
0.192
Greece
53.4623
Guatemala
16.25718
Hemburg
1.3366
13.38922
Guinea
16.6102
6.707
Guinea
8.93913
Guyana
2.3391
Honduras
60.0522375
Guyana
6.4343
Haiti
28.405
Hong Kong
447.3802855
Haiti
Hungary
166.5034689
Holand
0.1426
Honduras
26.2197
7.2077
Holland
5.2413
Hondures
7.0799
Hong Kong
Holland
Iceland
Guatemala
28.8809
Holland
3.766
India Sez
202.0248
Honduras
71.1586
Indonesia
290.3515
Hong Kong
189.8175
Hungary
Hungary
263.7529
Iceland
Iceland
10.9605
India Sez
204.0953
193.9694
Indonesia
532.5321
Iran
39.0610266
Iraq
25.9304
Ireland
Israel
Istanbul
Italy
Ivory Coast
373.414017
360.1495817
India Sez
220.3332
527.703
16.0474
Indonesia
318.864
Iran
170.3636
0.0736
Iran
68.3469
Iraq
41.7941
1764.14056
Iraq
21.5597
Ireland
Ireland
415.4414
Israel
726.88
Izmir
0.0272
Israel
326.1103
Istanbul
0.4973
Jamaica
5.3734
Istanbul
Japan
5.577
390.2073
1401.679424
Istonia
Jordan
51.2241
Italy
Kazakhstan
23.8967
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea
Ksa
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
444.3216772
0.0289
Jamaica
Japan
0.0351
Italy
0.6366
Ivory Coast
5.0038
Izmer
0.0177
Jamaica
9.3024
1988.8205
13.7012
0.6064
Japan
1736.667
1484.33
1348.194
Jebelali
1.0865
Jeddah
2.793
356.91404
Jeddah
2.8992
0.2012
Jordan
55.2562
Jordan
73.9128
13.7355
Jordon
19.34
Jorden
19.43709
0.087
Latika
0.07
Latiwa
5.7
Latvia
8.1054
Kampuchea Democratic
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Lebanon
28.3403
Korea
Lesotho
34.88372
Kosovo
2.8675
23.4114
471.808686
0.9021
489.7625
Kampuchea Democratic
Kazakhstan
0.2252
34.792
Kenya
713.156
Kiribati
0.1729
Korea
373.038
0.0081
Kosovo
0.1715
1.6625
Ksa
Liberia
1.7309
Ksa
Libya
Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya
4.0859
Kuwait
4.1757
Labenon
Lithuania
6.5034
Laos
Lithuanian
0.1302
Laos
0.2373
Lithuvania
3.48
Lebanon
34.2491
Latain Amircan
0.1065
Luxembourg
1.3093
Lesotho
31.5908
Latvia
10.1357
Macau
0.0168
Liberia
14.8236
Lebanon
24.4492
Macedonia
0.8872
Libya
19.3768
Lesotho
77.871
Latvia
31.3658
Kuwait
1.2472
54.1832
0.83
Kyrgyzstan
0.6659
0.1264
Kyrgyzstian
0.528
1.6065
Madagascar
Malawi
11.4106295
88.949
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
35.9308
Liechetenstein
2.7442
Liberia
6.2081
Libya
35.3944
Malaysia
140.3257
Liechtenstein
42.4228
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
27.0707
Maldives
0.86513
Lithuania
14.3808
Liechetenstein
51.8133
Mali
13.7974
Lome
Lithuania
31.9936
Malta
23.9949
Luthuania
2.2197
Luxembourg
2.8158
Luxembourg
3.5416
Macedonia
1.0054
Macau
0.0098
Madagascar
6.9367
Macedonia
0.8343
Malawi
253.5252
Mackay
0.0141
Malaysia
259.6039
12.9759
Maldives
0.2512
Mauritania
1.2819
Mauritinia
3.73
Mauritius
Mayanmar
Mayotte
Megalopollis Greece
Mexico
Moldova
22.8636346
2.094
0.0575
Madagascar
0.5463
Malawi
17.8005
3.45189
Maldives
1.145
Manzanilo
Mali
10.6661
Mauritania
Malta
45.5726
Mauritius
0.0115
Mauritania
3.39304
11.16
Mauritinia
2.75
0.5919
Morocco
24.0032
Mauritius
28.2573
Mozambique
18.3935
Mayanmar
Myanmar
3.69595
Meera
Memphis
0.8
Namibia
27.33657
Mexico
Nepal
17.72323
Middle East
Netherlands
19.1357
Malta
221.131
0.07325
Namey Niger
Mali
Malaysia
Mongolla
Montegro
169.15498
273.0231523
Mongolia
Monte Isola
0.46
2254.082404
Moldova
Mayanmar
Mexico
0.0481
10.955
34.13155
0.1873
304.0043
Middle East
0.2127
0.1283
Moldova
4.6285
0.1027
Mombasa
0.3907
1.3706
Mongolia
0.6801
288.3672
0.35
0.9556
Montegro
15.71
Monten
1.4964
Montserrat
0.0146
New Caledonia
0.0385
Mombasa
1.2827
Morocco
23.5794
New Foundland
0.3799
Mongolia
1.67571
Morrocco
0.91806
Mozambique
76.1066
New Zealand
101.4197
Monte Isola
Newyork
1.0332
Montegro
Nicaragua
0.5924
Morocco
Niger
Nigeria
North America
Norway
Oman
Others
Pakistan
Palestina
Panama
1.59
269.4667
16.96
Mozambique
Muscat
Myanmar
0.04
15.45
37.9758
8.7323
Namibia
28.4389
0.3966
Nendeln
11.0702
Nairobi
31.5163
Namibia
47.87267
14948.92115
Nendeln
1.7563
0.3
31.8531
0.0084
Nepal
55.75143
Netherlands
2884.623
New Caledonia
0.062
28.58594
Netherlands
3523.194
New Caledonia
New Guinea
New Zealand
1.6467
New Guinea
4.8994
Niger
New Zealand
107.86
Nigeria
Peterhead
18.8042
Nicaragua
Philadelphia
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
4.3086
125.7858
176.5175969
35.126744
13.2812
Niger
Nigeria
North America
2.54
1.0688
403.1366
3.58
334.1914
3.4617
4.9859
0.436
1.6
Newyork
1.5651
Newyork
0.1277
Nicaragua
Paraguay
32.0874
2.7109
Nepal
Papua New Guinea
Peru
7.2479
Myanmar
66.9713
95.63963
Muscat
33.0799
Northern Ireland
Norway
Ohana
Oman
Other East African
Countries
12.6063
397.4246
0.23
108.3203
0.0099
115.214
0.1293
Norway
86.5884
Others
9849.412
Oman
50.3954
Pakistan
95.34129
Qatar
7.9768
Other East African
Countries
Quatar
6.4199
Others
Quwait
0.0386
Pakistan
102.10213
28.6415635
Panama
8.45829
Peru
32.33433
Paraguay
8.6059
Philippines
195.3966
0.0172
Poland
262.1761
Romania
Rotterdam
Row
Russia
Rwanda
2.4514
0.09
666.56282
21.4123
Paramaribo
Peru
0.0367
13915.59126
36.0919
Palestine
Panama
Paraguay
0.2515
152.2484
4.7061
Portugal
37.0458
Philippines
138.3215
Puerto Rico
50.3532
Saint Lucia
0.0775
Poland
162.3898
Qatar
16.0506
Samoa
4.2476
Polska
0.2524
Quatar
3.5974
0.02
Portland
0.7666
Rawanda
5.2848
0.54
Portugal
40.7624
Romania
38.3747
Puerto Rico
33.4946
Rpa Exports
3.9041
Qatar
31.76
Ruerto Rico
0.2514
Quatar
8.928
Russia
604.3496
1.15
Russian
64.25374
0.0173
Rwanda
50.275
Sabah
0.2657
San Francisco
Sanghai
Saudi Arabia
Scotland
Senegal
Serbia
257.9589
0.4892
19.89194
1.5720249
Quba
Seychelles
0.0083
Rawanda
Shanghai
0.0377
Replubica Domanica
Siegburg
1.1078
Riga
Sierra Leone
Singapore
10.1484
1275.480634
0.159
Samoa
10.787
15.5827
Santo Domingo
0.0247
11.3716
Sao Tome
0.0309
Russia
660.0331
Scotland
0.1754
0.078
Russian
54.23252
Seareea
0.0084
1175.429651
Rwanda
11.842
Senegal
18.3356
Slovenia
35.0338
South Korea
0.0741
Saint Lucia
Rpa Exports
0.3
South Africa
0.2
Romania
Slovakia
Somalia
Riyadh-K.S.A
0.79
Saint Lucia
1.7584
Serbia
3.5262
Spain
397.7686422
Samoa
5.3504
Seychelles
0.0743
Sri Lanka
131.1888473
Sanjose Costa Rica
Sierra Leone
4.2057
Sudan
227.2193
53.9772
Santo Domingo
Suriname
1.4596
Scotland
Swaziland
19.2907
Senegal
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
182.3087
1591.0701
86.3357
14.9981
66.9926284
0.514
1.0588
Singapore
Slovakia
0.52
25.9874
Slovenia
11.6219
Serbia
9.5098
Somalia
Siegburg
0.6242
South Africa
Sierra Leone
Sierra Loene
Singapore
1.611
South Carolina
South Korea
689.6442
South Sudan
1.9157
Tanga
2.5332
Slovania
0.58
Tango
1.691
Slovenia
26.934
St. Barhelemy, Fwi
76.8032
Somalia
1.5345
St. Lucia
Tema
Thailand
2.3717
Spain
Sri Lanka
893.6485
179.966
0.5353
0.06
0.0174
South Africa
1431.80343
Sudan
72.0218
16.5909
South Korea
48.2371
Suffolk
0.0154
Suriname
7.6094
601.5649568
Spain
431.5199
Togo
4.1586
Sri Lanka
171.8109
Trinidad
0.1335
St Martin
0.76
Trinidad & Tobago
7.7881
1.7039
2.7659
Tehran
0.32
1739.142
1866.514
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Slovakia
1781.504
1.559
29.7202
Sudan
83.0695
Swaziland
8.421
Sweden
286.8927
Switzerland
1882.451
Tunisia
27.864409
Suriname
6.1601
Syria
Turkey
359.2484085
Swaziland
0.7125
Taiwan
24.3911
92.08166
Turkmenistan
UAE
1.48
1530.0613
Sweden
Swiss
227.5804
Tajikistan
2.1511
0.0267
Tanzania
284.5425
Uganda
162.9307234
Switzerland
UK
4183.123474
Syria
30.6489
Thailand
Taiwan
78.6032
Tincan Island
Ukrain
10.5208
1754.4378
Tema
8.0085
709.4254
0.8979
Ukraine
146.53966
Tajikistan
1.7889
Togo
16.5128
Uruguay
18.5365
Tanga
0.7877
Tonga
2.1149
26562.77194
Tango
2.6023
Trinidad & Tobago
USA
Uzbekestin
4.0417
Uzbekistan
17.2134
Venezuela
63.30398
Tanzania
Tema
193.3049
Tunisia
34.4766
Thailand
664.4273
Turkey
327.0608
Turkmenistan
6.15
Togo
10.34334
Venzuela
6.7014
Total
1136.89
Vernier
4.3635
Trinidad & Tobago
West Africa
West Indies
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zanzibar
Zimbabwe
Total
27.140277
145.557149
Tunisia
26.5935
0.0845
Turkey
284.2917
2.4614
Turkmenistan
Turks And Caicos Islands
61.6788
0.7884
125.8202
0.2289
0.0674
10.9613
Venezula
Vietnam
Tunis
35.0638
UAE
Uganda
UK
4.9497
UAE
1585.188
Uganda
348.4245
UK
4636.064
Ukrain
22.8068
2.4086
Ukraine
124.9346
0.4388
Uruguay
12.8682
2123.13089
USA
29183.74
154.93523
Uzbekestin
64.2604
4608.65925
Uzbekistan
9.0256
82.7997
Ukrain
21.2033
85201.01
Ukraine
130.5056
Venezuela
46.623
Uruguay
12.9794
Venzuela
4.0338
29764.58646
Veracruz
0.0964
Vietnam
200.5508
USA
Valancia
3.5
Uzbekestin
4.7023
Uzbekistan
7.032
West Africa
4.938
0.0329
West Indies
2.69
Valencia
Venezuela
Vietnam
66.0725
Yemen
71.2936
149.198226
Yogoslavia
0.072
West Africa
0.0303
Yugoslavia
0.3252
West Indies
5.14772
Zambia
363.219
Winterbatch
0.3265
Zanzibar
1.3652
Yemen
44.379
Zimbabwe
0.1875
Total
Yugoslavia
Zambia
119.4639
Zimbabwe
167.9504
Total
90180.66
****************
211.436
89642.09
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 602
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
PRODUCTION OF TEA
602(H). SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH MAHRA:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) the State-wise and quantum-wise production of tea in the country;
b) the name of the States where tea of high quality is being produced;
c) whether foreign currency is earned through tea export, the details of last three financial years
thereof;
d) the manner in which the States are being promoted to earn more foreign currencies; and
e) whether the proposals sent by the States to enhance tea production in future would be accepted?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a):
The estimated tea production state-wise and quantum-wise for the financial year 2014-15 is as
under:
State
Assam
West Bengal
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Karnataka
Others
Total
Quantity (M.kgs.)*
585.36
324.07
166.38
66.90
6.73
24.56
1174.00
* Provisional, subject to revision
(b):
India produces some of the world’s finest teas like Darjeeling Tea in West Bengal, Assam
Tea in Assam, Nilgiris Tea in Tamil Nadu and Kangra Tea in Himachal Pradesh which are famous
for their delicate flavor, strength and brightness.
(c):
Indian teas are exported worldwide and earn valuable foreign currency. Details of tea
exports and the foreign currency earned during 2011-12 to 2014-15 (April-February) are as under:
Year
Qty.
(M.Kgs)
214.35
216.23
225.76
Value in
Rs.Crs.
3304.82
4005.93
4509.09
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
180.05
3485.71
(Apr-Feb)*
*Provisional, subject to revision.
Value in
Mill US$
690.14
735.90
746.46
571.23
(d):
The single-origin teas grown in specific states and regions of India have unique
characteristics and have large potential to contribute to the generation of foreign exchange from
sale of such teas. State governments of tea growing states which are represented on the Tea
Board are regularly consulted while finalizing the marketing strategy for tea. Producers and
growers of tea in the tea growing states also receive substantial financial and technical assistance
from the Tea Board as part of the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme for producing and
marketing tea.
(e):
Tea Board regularly accepts proposals and applications from the growers and producers
of tea in all states and assists them under the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme for
undertaking activities such as rejuvenation, pruning, infilling, uprooting and replanting of old
tea areas, extension planting, quality upgradation and product diversification, value-addition,
quality certification, changing of the product mix, including Orthodox Tea Production.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 604
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
TRADE RELATIONS IN NEW SECTORS
604. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether Government proposes to establish trade relations in new sectors/areas with some
of the countries for the first time;
b) if so, the details thereof;
c) the steps taken by Government in this regard; and
d) the total revenue likely to be generated from the expansion of trade in the new areas and
sectors?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) to (c) It is the constant endeavour of the Government to enhance trade with our
trade partners for mutual benefit which also include establishing trade relationship in
new sectors/areas. In this context, India has taken various initiatives like
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECA), Free Trade
Agreements (FTA) Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA), Joint Study Groups (JSG)
etc. with various countries.
(d) Revenue to be generated from the expansion of trade in new areas and sectors
cannot be assessed at present.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 606
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
PHARMA EXPORTS
606. SHRI DEVENDER GOUD T.:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) the year-wise and country-wise details of pharma exports by India in the last five years and the
current year;
b) whether it is a fact that country has not able to achieve this year's target; and
c) if so, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) As per latest information available, the year-wise and country wise details of pharma
exports for the top 30 markets for the last five years is given below: The data for the
current year is not available. The table below incorporates latest data available i.e. upto
December, 2014.
All values in $ million
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Country
USA
UK
South Africa
Russia
Nigeria
Germany
Brazil
Kenya
Viet Nam
Netherlands
France
Canada
Australia
Tanzania
Nepal
Iran
Sri Lanka
20142009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 15(Aprl-Dec)
1953.71 2496.88 3267.82 3728.53 3962.73
3227.23
348.51
391.33
491.35
513.36
527.09
407.02
245.83
341.30
383.12
440.76
561.47
374.46
274.81
455.85
410.08
572.16
546.28
335.75
190.78
224.27
310.42
340.92
384.29
322.05
318.78
361.80
462.92
467.33
402.46
281.13
209.89
230.23
279.02
328.34
312.62
279.14
116.46
182.84
229.86
252.03
240.28
199.79
149.65
151.31
185.06
202.93
212.18
185.96
144.88
198.14
230.27
249.06
233.69
172.42
107.04
136.36
174.42
184.93
206.88
160.18
163.52
153.21
258.31
285.68
226.77
153.54
96.23
116.59
172.90
188.21
196.94
153.29
69.93
97.93
85.75
132.63
157.21
152.33
82.66
80.57
119.07
123.52
142.23
132.42
112.86
111.83
99.84
163.10
182.53
126.05
109.47
129.07
147.40
154.35
166.91
121.62
18
19
20
Philippines
Ghana
Thailand
Myanmar
21
(Burma)m
22
Venezuela
23
Uganda
24
China
25
Belgium
26
Turkey
27
Japan
28
Singapore
29
Bangladesh
30
Spain
Total of Top 30
Grand Total
70.02
110.10
121.26
85.40
136.42
107.45
106.08
148.27
149.63
126.34
184.79
142.44
140.24
151.91
108.93
117.89
117.38
112.91
57.33
62.51
80.42
122.47
138.91
40.12
51.76
62.84
70.79
86.73
70.37
85.22
118.78
124.32
155.48
136.19
139.95
157.62
137.81
116.17
106.55
86.70
136.24
151.54
128.32
139.77
166.11
182.71
199.62
156.43
78.95
79.63
151.69
179.17
174.83
61.39
140.58
170.10
187.40
131.04
90.68
115.39
112.22
135.18
158.25
119.64
141.10
199.38
174.30
136.73
5897.38 7257.73 9083.59 10264.01 10446.53
8949.28 10721.43 13263.43 14676.37 14936.09
112.58
111.33
109.43
108.86
108.32
107.69
104.66
104.54
103.35
97.97
8201.31
11523.58
(b)& (c) In 2010-11 India’s exports touched $ 10.7 billion with a CAGR of 13% during previous
three years. At that time it was estimated that India’s exports would reach $ 25 billion by 201415. Some of the reasons for not reaching the expected US$ 25 bn are given below:
1. Recession in Europe – Economy in Spain and Italy, which are important markets for India,
have still not come back to normal.
2. Indian rupee’s devaluation at unexpected rate.
3. Some of our major export partners in LAC, CIS and Africa regions have initiated process of
indigenous production working towards self-reliance.
4. China’s increased competition even in formulations sector especially in Europe.
5. International Sanctions on Russia have impacted its economy and thereby their total
imports have come down for last 6-8 months. Accordingly, our exports are also showing
negative growth.
6. Some of major Indian pharma companies started their own production in South Africa,
resulted in lesser growth rate of Pharma exports by India to South Africa.
7. There is downward trend in the prices of Drugs in Germany for the last 1 – 2 years,
resulted in lesser growth rate of pharma exports to Germany.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 609
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
FALL IN EXPORT OF SOYAMEAL
609. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether it is a fact that soya meal exports from the country has dropped to lowest in 26
years;
b) if so, the details thereof; and
c) what remedial measures Government proposes to take in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b) Data for the current year is not available. However, as per data available
for the year 2014-15, the export of soyameal during April-Jan 2015 has fallen
by around 67%, both in quantity as well as in value terms, as compared to
exports during corresponding period of the previous year. The exports during
2014-15 (Apr-Jan) were 11.43 lakh tons valued at USD 621.46 million compared
to 34.27 lakh tons valued at USD 1,879.00 million during the corresponding
period of 2013-14. The exports are lowest, at least since 2003-04, the year from
which comparative data is available.
The record world-wide production of soyabean in 2014-15 has created an
oversupply in the world market leading to a drastic fall in soyameal prices.
Lower petroleum crude prices, resulting in lesser demand for vegetable oils for
bio-fuels, has also contributed to lower international prices. The lower
international prices have left Indian exports uncompetitive as compared to major
producers of soyabean such as Argentina and Brazil.
(c) Encouraging exports of agricultural products is a continuous process. Under
the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020, export of soyameal is eligible for 5%
reward under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS).
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 610
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
INCREASE IN IMPORT OF STEEL
610(H). SHRIMATI KANAK LATA SINGH:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether it is a fact that steel import from neighbouring countries have increased on large scale,
if so, the details of steel imported during the last two years;
b) whether it is also a fact that import duty on steel has been increased by Government, if so, the
details of increased import duty during the said period;
c) the reasons for increase in import of steel and whether it has been evaluated; and
d) whether steel is cheap in other countries, if so, the steps being taken for production of steel at
cheaper rate in the country?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a)
Yes, Sir. Data pertaining to import of Iron & Steel under Chapter 72 and 73 of Indian
Trade Classification (Harmonised System), 2012, Schedule – I (Import Policy) during the period
2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 (provisional) is as under:
Qty in Ton
Values / Rs Crore
2014-15
2012-13
Country
BANGLADESH
BHUTAN
CHINA
MALDIVES
2013-14
Qty
Val.
13846
88.79
7652
56.84
8714
61.58
102965
617.25
80941
589.93
72480
542.88
8135.54 1120652
5921.24
3522779
15534.84
5196
13.77
5244
14.27
23
0.06
1770193
8204
20.67
MYANMAR
NEPAL
PAKISTAN
Qty
(Apr'14 to Feb'15)*
Val
Qty
Val
64842
395.7
69465
387.97
72494
418.85
2038
24.22
1070
9.75
24
0.07
SRI LANKA
5763
Grand Total
1967851
15.47
3227
14.09
871
4.01
9297.64 1288226
6993.65
3682606
16576.5
*Note: Figures for 2014-15(Apr to Feb) is provisional.
(b)
In budget 2015-16, tariff rate of basic customs duty on iron & steel falling under Chapter
72 and articles of iron or steel falling under Chapter 73 of Indian Trade Classification (Harmonised
System), 2012, Schedule – I (Import Policy), has been increased from 10 % to 15%. However, no
change has been made in the existing effective rates of basic customs duty on these goods.
(c) & (d): Import of an item takes place only when similar item is either not available in the domestic
market or is available at a cheaper rate outside the country than the one available in the domestic
market. Certain specific grades /qualities of steel which are not produced in the country, especially
for the use of automobile sector, engineering goods etc, are to be necessarily imported and such
specific imports cannot be stopped. Moreover, steel sector has been deregulated; therefore, the
role of the Government is limited to be a facilitator in growth of steel industry. The Government
only lays down policy guidelines and the investment decisions for creation of new capacity are
taken by individual investors based on commercial considerations.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 612
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF SPICES
612. SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) the annual production of spices in the country;
b) the percentage of spices produced, exported and released for the domestic market;
c) whether the amount of spices released in the domestic market is sufficient to meet the
demand;
d) if not, how does the Ministry proposes to meet the demand of domestic consumers; and
e) what is the procedure adopted by Government to strike a balance between the requirement
of the domestic and the export market?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b): The annual production of spices in the country is around 6 million tones, out of which
about 12 to 14% is exported while the rest is available for domestic consumption. Details
of production, export and import of spices during 2013-14 are given below:
Quantity (tonnes)
1.
Production
59,35,043
2.
Export
8,17,250
3.
Import
1,30,010
(c) & (d): India imports selected spices like Clove, Cassia, Cinnamon, Poppy Seed, Star anise
to meet domestic consumption as well as fulfilling demand of industry for value addition and
re-export. Government implements several programmes for increasing production and
availability of spices such as Cardamom through the Spices Board and other spices through the
State Horticulture Missions under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
(MIDH). The mission programmes are aimed at increasing production, productivity and quality
of the produce to meet growing demand in the domestic as well as export market.
(e): While the requirement of domestic market are met by programmes aimed at increasing
production and ensuring remunerative prices to farmers through pre and post harvest
management and support activities, the industry is assisted through adoption of upgraded
technology in spice processing, setting up of quality evaluation labs, quality certification and
training of laboratory personnel for producing quality spices and making them available for
exports.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 613
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH APRIL, 2015
IMPOSING MEP ON ONION AND POTATO
613. SHRI AJAY SANCHETI:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:
a) whether Government has imposed Minimum Export Price(MEP) on onion and
potato to arrest domestic price rise;
b) if so, whether this has helped in reducing domestic price of these two items;
c) if so, the details thereof;
d) what has been the decline in India's export of these commodities; and
e) how Government is protecting Minimum Support Price (MSP) for these items?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a)
Currently there is an MEP of USD 250 per MT on onions whereas MEP on Potato
which was USD 450 per MT (w.e.f. 26th June, 2014), has been removed with effect from
20th February, 2015.
(b) &(c ) MEP is a tool for calibrating export volumes to ensure that in case there is severe
domestic shortage, such shortages are not exacerbate further on account of export of
these commodities. In July 2014, the retail prices of onion were ranging between Rs.26/per kg. to Rs.35/- per kg. in four metropolitan cities of the country while in March, 2015
the prices were in the range of Rs.19/- per kg. to Rs.31/- per kg. Similarly, In June, 2014,
the retail prices of potato were ranging between Rs.16/- per kg. to Rs.31/- per kg. which
have been reduced in March, 2015 between Rs. Rs.8/- per kg. to Rs.30/- per kg.
(d)
There has been a decline of 13% in quantity terms in respect of onion export during
2014-15 as compared to 2013-14. In respect of Potato export, there was an increase of
57% as compared to previous year 2013-14.
(e)
There is no declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Onion and Potato by the
Union Government of India.
*****