Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Welcomes Central Government’s Decision to Increase Import Duty on Edible Oil and Remove Export Value on Onion and Basmati Rice

Mumbai : The central government has made a significant decision to scrap the Minimum Export Price (MEP) on basmati rice and onions, which was imposed last year to curb domestic food inflation. Additionally, a crucial decision has been made to increase the import duty on edible oil. This move provides significant relief to onion, basmati rice, and soybean farmers across the country. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for these farmer-friendly decisions.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar, along with Union Minister Amit Shah, had persistently requested the Union Commerce Ministry to remove the export value on basmati rice and onions and to increase the import duty on edible oil. Their efforts have paid off with the implementation of these decisions.

The export value on onions and basmati rice was initially imposed to control domestic food inflation. However, as of yesterday (Friday), the central government has removed this restriction, which will benefit farmers. Additionally, the significant increase in import duty on edible oil will provide much-needed relief to soybean farmers, as it is expected to raise the price of soybeans, thereby ensuring better returns for them.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had held a special meeting on September 11 at Mantralaya to discuss various issues concerning farmers. It was decided to push the central government on the matters of onions, soybeans, and basmati rice. Following this, Pawar urged Union Minister Amit Shah to address these concerns, and the central government has now acted on them. This decision will greatly benefit farmers across the country, especially those involved in onion, basmati rice, and soybean farming.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has expressed his sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for these timely and beneficial actions taken in the interest of farmers.