Govt to tighten vigil on sugar exports

The Government has asked the Customs authorities to strictly monitor the sugar exports amid a sharp rise in prices and low sugar production estimates for 2008-09 season."It is directed that all the field formations (including the Customs authorities) take necessary action for the compliance of the decision of the government," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said.     

The Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution had reintroduced the system of 'export release order' in February this year.Under the new dispensation, an exporter was required to obtain an 'export release order' from the Directorate of Sugar both under the Open General Licence or Advance Authorisation Scheme.   

The DGFT wants the provisions of this order to be monitored strictly by the Customs.Sugar prices have recently shot up to Rs 28-30 per kg, even as the opposition parties are making an issue out it.Sugar output in 2008-09 (October-September) season is estimated to fall below 15 million tonnes, while production in the previous season stood at 26.4 million tonnes.