The Hindu : 'Restore import duty on spices'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala

'Restore import duty on spices'

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM APRIL 1. The Revenue Minister, K. M. Mani, today demanded that the Central Government withdraw its decision to exempt spices arriving from Sri Lanka from import duty.

The Minister noted that as per the exim policy announced by the Centre yesterday, items such as cardamom, turmeric, tapioca, coriander, Chinese anise and vegetables had been exempted from duty. This would lead to large-scale import of cardamom from Guatemala and tapioca from countries such as Brazil, causing increased hardships to farmers in Kerala.

Mr. Mani said the Indo-Sri Lankan bilateral agreement was one that hit the plantation sector in the State badly. It had led to large-scale import of plantation crops to the country, affecting producers here.

There was also the possibility of spices produced in other countries being imported to India via Sri Lanka. Earlier, pepper had been imported to the country from Vietnam via Sri Lanka on the basis of a SAARC agreement. The latest decision would lead to increase in imports. Consequently, the price of pepper would plummet.

He noted that while developed countries used several instruments to protect their farmers, India was showing criminal neglect in this regard.

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