Centre accepts SEA suggestion on vanaspati imports

Mumbai, Sep 22 (UNI) Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) president A R Sharma today expressed happiness that the Centre had accepted the Association's suggestion to canalise vanaspati imports from Sri Lanka through agencies like NAFED.

Addressing the 35th annual general meeting (AGM) of SEA here today, Mr Sharma said excessive and cheap imports from Sri Lanka had seriously affected the domestic vanaspati and vegetable oil industry. The Association had taken up this issue at various levels to check the inflow of cheap vanaspati into India and to have better monitoring of imports. The Association had suggested that the imports be canalised through government agencies like the National Agriculture Federation (NAFED). The Government has accepted the suggestion and it has come into effect from June this year, he said.

This would ensure better geographical distribution of vanaspati imports from Sri Lanka and minimise the harm to the domestic vanaspati industry, Mr Sharma said.

There would now be an equitable distribution of vanaspati throughout the country round the year, at pre-determined prices.

Mr Sharma informed that the Codex standard for ''Rice Bran Oil'' will be finalised at the next Codex Committee meet next year.

He also informed that the Association has vigorously pursued with the National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oils Development Board (NOVOD) and Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) on the need to amend the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act for promoting use of vegetable fat in chocolate and confectionery. He hoped the matter would be resolved during the year.

Mr Sharma said the SEA has pleaded with the Union Government to mitigate the problems arising out of duty-free imports from neighbouring countries and not to include oils and oilseeds in any future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The Ministry of Agriculture has agreed in principle to this, he said.

Mr Sharma stressed the need to increase oilseed production through better productivity. He also stressed the need to declare oil palm as a plantation crop, and the need to tap full potential of Tree Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).

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