US to review dumping duty on aqua exports

The United States has agreed to reconsider anti-dumping duties levied on aquaculture products from India, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar told Rajya Sabha today.

Replying to supplementaries during question hour, Pawar said minister of state for external affairs E Ahamad was given this assurance during his discussions with his US counterpart.

"I received this communication yesterday," Pawar said.

In reply to a query, Pawar said it would not be entirely correct to state that WTO policies are the main reason for problems in agriculture sector in the country. Lack of infrastructure and other factors also contributed to it, he said.

If India and its neighbours take a collective stand on WTO, it will prove beneficial to all nations, Pawar said.

In reply to another query, the minister said there has been no change in price of fertilisers during the last three years and there is no change in fertiliser subsidy policy as well.

Pawar said agricultural exports have risen to Rs 36,893 crore in value terms during 2003-04 as against Rs 29,000 crore during the previous year.

In a reply to another query, he said the government has decided to revise buffer norms for stocking of foodgrains in the central pool with effect from April 1, 2005 for the 10th Plan period.

The integrated food law incorporating 16 laws would be introduced in the next session of Parliament, food processing industries minister Subodh Kant Sahai said.