The quantitative restrictions (QRs) imposed on the imports of peas (including yellow, green, dun and kaspa peas) have been extended till March 31, 2019. This is the third revision in the import policy.
The first came into effect on April 1, 2018, when it was revised from free to restricted for a period of three months (i e until June 30, 2018) with a quota of 1 lakh metric tonne (MT). The second extension was during the quarter ending September 30, 2018.
Several WTO (World Trade Organization) members questioned India at the WTO Committee on Agriculture, as well as in the bilateral meetings on the basis on which India imposed quantitative restrictions (QRs) and its consistency with WTO rules.
India stated that the imposition of QRs was a temporary measure undertaken to protect the small and marginal farmers from the adverse impact of a drop in prices. Thereafter, such measures are reviewed on a regular basis, and initiatives are taken to support domestic producers.
This information was given by the C R Chaudhary, minister of state of commerce and industry, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
