Question : CRITERIA FOR EXPORT OF WHEAT

(a) whether the Government has fixed any criteria and issued any instructions for export of wheat from the Central pool;

(b) if so, the details in this regard including the criteria fixed regarding the rates along with the countries identified for the said exports;

(c) whether the Government has received any reports/suggestions indicating that the exports would remain unviable unless the mandated floor prices are lowered;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(e) whether the price of export through bidding is higher than through Public Sector Undertakings, and if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken to make such exports viable?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b): The Government has allowed export of 45 lakh tons of wheat of Rabi Marketing Season(RMS) 2012-13 from Central Pool stocks through Central Public Sector Undertakings(CPSUs) with floor price of US $ 300 per metric ton. These exports are carried out through global tenders for delivery at the port. These exports are permitted upto 30-6-2013.

Recently the Government has approved sale upto 50 lakh tons of wheat of RMS 2011-12 from Central Pool stocks in Punjab and Haryana for export through private traders with base price of Rs.14,840/- per metric ton, the current Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) rate for Punjab. The delivery will be ex-FCI godown, Punjab and Haryana and exporters are free to export from port and to the country of their choice. These exports are permitted upto 30-6-2013.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): The modalities of two exports are different. Base price for export by private exporters is fixed at Rs.14,840/- per ton ex- FCI godown Punjab and Haryana and the cost of transportation to the port of choice will be borne by the exporter. Whereas the base price for export by CPSUs is US$ 300 or Rs.16,200/- (@ 1 US $ = Rs.54/-) for delivery at the designated port.