The Hindu Business Line : Kamal Nath's help sought on pepper imports

THE State Government has sought the intervention of the Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, on the issue of pepper imports from Sri Lanka under the Free Trade Agreement.

At a meeting with Mr Kamal Nath here on Thursday evening, the Kerala Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, said farmers in Kerala were passing through a phase of low prices in the market on account of such imports.

The Commerce Minister assured Mr Chandy that he would look into the problems faced by pepper growers in that State.

According to an official release, the Chief Minister also sought the help of the Commerce Ministry for the market intervention efforts of Kerala Government.

On Mr Chandy's request for providing export subsidy for pepper, Mr Nath said such subsidies should be WTO-compatible, failing which importing countries would put countervailing duty negating the very purpose.

Mr Chandy said the State had a significant presence in the production of pepper, rubber and tea.

He requested that the import duty on these commodities not be further reduced and the port restrictions for the import of rubber be further reinforced.

He also wanted import of pepper to be allowed only through Kochi Port and held that the country of origin should be insisted to restrict imports.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Kerala: `Excess' rain in 8 dists

ICAI plans standard for agri accounting

S. Asia fisheries sector loss at $520 m: FAO

Rubber steady on covering purchases

Corporate battle for sugarcane intensifies

ISEC buys raw sugar at $244/t

Tea exports up a tad

Drive to help women SHGs become plantation owners in Nilgiris

Kerala: Water levels recede in major reservoirs

Karnataka Gold Festival from April 4

Castorseed output seen increasing 12 pc

Imports from Guatemala keep cardamom depressed despite thin arrivals

Kamal Nath's help sought on pepper imports

Pungent deal