November 29, 2001

'39'

        Government in order to encourage export of wheat has offered 50 lakh tonnes of wheat each in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 to PSUs, private parties and other agencies. The steps taken to achieve the targets include: offering wheat from the central pool for export and maintain the export price of wheat at internationally competitive levels; constant monitoring of wheat and sort out the problems on the front; setting up cleaning facilities at the Kandla Port for ensuring that acceptable quality of foodgrains are sent for export and creation of an Export Cell in the Department of Food and Public Distribution to deal with export of foodgrains in a focussed manner.

        This information was given in Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashok Pradhan in a written reply.