Exports of surplus agri-products will continue: Minister

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SME Times News Bureau | 11 Aug, 2012
The government will continue to export surplus agri-commodities as there is adequate stock of wheat, rice and sugar in the country, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said on Thursday.

"What is exportable surplus available will be exported and for the commodities for which we do not have exportable surplus we will take an appropriate view," Sharma told reporters when asked if government plans to ban export of agri-products (such as wheat, rice and sugar) due to drought like conditions.

After meeting Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Sharma said, "I don't forsee a situation that India will have any shortfall of foodgrains and food security of the people will be ensured."

Stating that the country faces a shortfall in pulses and edible oils, Sharma said, "There is always a shortfall of pulses and edible oil. But for that the final figures will be known once the Agriculture Ministry gives the crop sizes."

Earlier this week, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had opposed any move to ban sugar export in a bid to contain price rise.

"I do not think that kind of thinking is there. I have not received any proposal to ban export of these items," he had said when asked whether the government may ban export of commodities like wheat, rice, maize and cotton to contain prices.

India had lifted the ban on wheat and non-basmati exports in September 2011. The country is estimated to export 3.5 million tonnes in 2011-12, reports media.