K'taka CM asks Centre to ban pepper imports

Concerned over crash in pepper prices, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today called on Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and demanded ban on import of the spice commodity to save domestic growers.
"Increase in pepper imports have depressed prices in the state. Prices have declined sharply to Rs 300 per kg from Rs 730 per kg. I have requested the central government to ban imports," he told reporters after the meeting.
The poor quality of imported pepper being dumped in the domestic market is also affecting the local prices, he said.
The Union commerce minister has assured that he will take action in this regard. "I hope he will take action at the earliest," the CM said.

Pepper is one of the major cash crops grown in coastal and western parts of Karnataka.