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Title: Regarding adverse impact on farmers due to reduction of import duty on cash crops and edible oils.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN : Sir, I have to say some other matter not related to this. The Government of India has decided to reduce the import duty now-a-days. This issue has also been discussed in detail. Fall in prices is one of the main reasons for the suicide of farmers in the country. As a result of reduction in the import duty, not only the farmers of the country but also the farmers in Kerala, especially in the agricultural sector as well as the cash crop sector are going to be hit highly. I would like to point out the percentage of crude palm oil which was 80 per cent is going to be reduced to 50 per cent; rectified palm oil from 90 to 60 per cent; tea from 100 to 50 per cent; coffee from 100 to 50 per cent; pepper from 70 to 50 per cent; and rubber from 25 to five per cent. This would really affect the agricultural and cash crop sectors in Kerala. Hence, I would like to request the Government of India to take a decision not to reduce the import duty again and again.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Girdhari Lal Bhargava. You should all watch him and see how he performs himself in the House. He gives a notice; sits quietly; do not harangue the Chair; and gets the chance to speak.