The ministry is in discussions with countries like Myanmar, Canada, some African countries
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh with Nirmala Sitharaman at an international conference organised by M.S. Swaminathan Research foundation on Sunday. (Photo: DC)
Chennai: In a bid to aid the ailing sugar industry and cut the expenditure on importing pulses, the Central government is mulling to trade ‘piling’ sugar stocks for pulses with other countries.
This was revealed by Union minister for commerce and industry Nirmala Sitharaman, while speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of an international conference at M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.
She said the quantum of buffer stock of sugar accumulating, especially for the past four years has been substantial. “Unless these stocks are disposed, we can’t stabilise the industry. The mills are no longer able to pay the farmers. The situation is so much critical. This is something which we are tying to work out. We haven’t come up with the solution, but are holding discussions with the ministry of external affairs to open up diplomatic channels with countries who can send their pulses and take our sugar”. The ministry is in discussions with countries like Myanmar, Canada, some African countries.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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