March 8, 2002
'39'| LOK SABHA |
LONG TERM GRAIN EXPORT POLICY
The decision on export of foodgrains on Government Account is taken after constantly reviewing the stock position of foodgrains in the central pool vis-à-vis the prescribed buffer norms, production of foodgrains in the country, trend of procurement for central pool, requirement for Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes, Open Market Sales Schemes etc. In order to promote wheat exports, a meeting was held with exporters on February 12, 2002 in the Department of Food and Public Distribution and discussed various matters connected with export of wheat and rice from the central pool.The important decisions taken on the occasion included fixing up the export prices of wheat and rice for a period of three months and such prices would be announced by the Government 45 days in advance and the reduction in the minimum quantity of rice to be lifted by an exporter to 2000 MTs. from the earlier level of 5000 MTs.
This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ashok Pradhan in a written reply.