New Delhi: In a significant development concerning the agriculture sector, the Indian government announced on Friday that it has no plans to implement a Minimum Export Price (MEP) on all agricultural products. This statement was made by Rajesh Agrawal, the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, putting to rest any speculation about widespread MEP implementations.
According to Agrawal, the government is clear in its intention to not review or impose MEP across all agricultural commodities. This announcement came amidst discussions about the implications of such measures on the agricultural sector and export markets. The inter-ministerial committee, which usually deliberates on MEP for specific commodities like onions, has recently made decisions regarding basmati rice. However, Agrawal emphasized that the committee’s extended mandate does not signify an intent to recommend MEP for each agricultural product.
Despite the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice, India has moved to allocate 13 lakh tonnes of rice for export to over 14 countries, addressing their food security concerns. This decision aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to balance domestic food security with its role as a significant player in the global agricultural market.
This clarification from the Commerce Ministry comes as a relief to various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, traders, and export businesses. It indicates the government’s approach to handling agricultural exports – focusing on strategic decisions for specific commodities rather than broad, sweeping measures.
The agricultural sector in India has been in the spotlight recently, with various reforms and policies being discussed and implemented. This latest announcement is a continuation of the government’s efforts to ensure a stable and prosperous agricultural economy.