The Hindu Business Line : Sattur chamber seeks relook at duty-free import of pulses, sugar

The Sattur Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that the announcement of duty-free import of pulses and sugar defies logic and is not needed now.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, the Chamber Secretary, Mr P.T.K. Balasubramanian, has said that the rate of Indian sugar has been cheaper compared to the rate of sugar in other countries.

While the prevailing rate is Rs 17.30-18 a kg, the landing cost of imported sugar would work out to Rs 23-25. The price of sugarcane, which was Rs 800 last year, has been raised by Rs 110.

The rate of sugarcane has been raised and the rate of sugar has been kept reduced, defying logic.

Last year production was less and imports were allowed. This year, from 116 lakh tonnes, the production has been raised to 190 lakh tonnes.

After full consumption, 35 lakh tonnes will be stocked. It has been pointed out that ethanol from the molasses could be used for diesel and petrol. Under the circumstances, sugar production must be boosted in the country. Import of sugar is an unwise decision and unwarranted, he said.

Further, import of pulses would lead to switchover of cultivation to other crops.

The Government must come forward to encourage the farmers to give a boost to production of all pulses. Import could be considered when the production of pulses comes down, he added.

More Stories on : Sugar | Pulses | Excise and Customs | Tamil Nadu

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