Review of export policy is a continuous process undertaken by the Government from time to time. The Government reviews the export policy in consultation with the administrative Ministries and the Departments concerned and other stake holders, keeping in view the various factors such as availability of goods in the domestic market, production, the price situation and various national and international commitments etc. As a result of such review, export of various agricultural commodities like non-basmati rice, wheat, milk products etc. which were banned earlier were made free. Presently, export of all agricultural commodities [except pulses and edible oils] is free. Government regulates the export of agricultural commodities in such a way that there is no scarcity in the country and it is available to the consumers at reasonable prices and at the same time the rate should not fall drastically in the domestic market depriving the farmers of remunerative prices. Free export of agricultural commodities will result in higher foreign exchange earnings for the country which will consequently benefit the farmers by giving them higher remunerative price.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

DS/RK

(Release ID :95597)

Agricultural export policy balances domestic supply and farmer prices, permitting free exports except specified items. Review and regulation of agricultural export policy is undertaken through inter-ministerial consultation and stakeholder engagement to balance domestic availability, production, price stability and international commitments; currently, all agricultural commodities except pulses and edible oils are freely exportable while exports are regulated to prevent scarcity, protect consumer prices and avoid drastic domestic price declines that would deprive farmers of remunerative returns.