Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Import Of Pepper -Laid. on 7 August, 2018
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Regarding import of pepper -laid.
KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE (UDUPI CHIKMAGALUR): A sharp fall in the price of Black Pepper, coupled with low Production Owing to climate vagaries has put farmers in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu in distress. The cheaper Pepper from Vietnam continues to flood the market, aided by a low duty structure under the ASEAN, SAFTA and ISFTA Pacts.
Government had fixed the MINIMUM IMPORT PRICE for pepper at Rs. 500 a Kg, following which prices improved in local markets. When import continued with the aid of loopholes in the Order, the Government further amended the restrictions for import. But that too has failed to generate any positive results.
IPSTPC had urged the Government to remove black pepper from SAFTA and ISFTA import list. Government may kindly consider imposing a duty of 55% on import of Pepper. I urge the Government to curb malpractices connected with Pepper imports, which will help farmers in realising better prices for the spice.