The Agriculture Ministry has reportedly suggested a hike in the import duty of edible oils to protect domestic farmers so that they receive at least the minimum support prices for the oilseed crop. It is hopeful of a favourable decision soon. Currently, the import duty (including cess) on crude palm oil, soyabean oil and sunflower oil is 5.5 per cent and on refined edible oils 13.75 per cent. Industry officials said there is zero duty on import of crude edible oil, which is very rare in any country and unless it is raised, farmers will not be motivated to grow oilseeds. The government is likely to soon announce the ₹6,800-crore national oilseeds mission. The Food Ministry is not averse to a hike as it also wants farmers be encouraged to grow more oilseeds, particularly in view of the upcoming rabi sowing season, when India’s largest oilseed crop mustard will be sown, sources said.
