XI LOK SABHA DEBATES,   Session IV (Budget) 

Monday , February 24, 1997 / Phalguna  5, 1918 (Saka)



Type of Debate: SPECIAL MENTION

Title: Need to put a check on import of low grade of cardamom and clove in view of the falling prices of the spices in the country.

TEXT :


SHRI P.C. THOMAS (MUVATTUPUZHA): Sir, this  is  in  regard  to  the  smuggling
business  which  is  going  on  in some of our border areas, especially on the
Nepal border, which has been causing a very serious situation in the field  of
some  of  our  agricultural products, especially cardamom. This spice which is
produced by India, which is of the best quality in the world, is facing a very
serious crisis. It is because low quality  cardamom  is  being  smuggled  from
Guatemala and some other countries of the world.

It comes to the Calcutta Port from where it is taken to  Nepal  by  road.  The
smuggling  is  going on indiscriminately. It has been brought to the notice of
the Ministry and the Government but so far no effective step is taken.  Unless
some  effective  steps  are  taken,  the  best  quality  cardamom which we are
producing will be mixed with the low quality cardamom coming from  abroad  and
our  export  in  this  respect,  which  is  earning high income in the form of
foreign exchange, will suffer a lot.

	Same is the case with regard to clove, which is another  high  quality
spice  produced  in  India.  The  farmers  are facing a very serious situation
because its prices have gone down very steeply. The low  quality  clove  comes
from  Sri  Lanka  or  other  countries.  It comes in a similar way as does the
cardamom. I would urge upon the Government to take some step in  this  regard.
This  matter has been raised by the farmers who are producing cardamom as well
as clove. It has also been brought to the notice  of  the  Government  but  no
effective step has been taken. I urge upon the Government to take serious note
of it and take serious action in this regard.




[NEXT PAGE]