BJP says it will permit agricultural exports only on this condition

New Delhi: The opposition BJP today said it would give priority to ensure domestic availability of agricultural commodities and allow exports depending on surplus, if the party comes to power after the elections.

When asked about the party’s stand on agriculture exports, BJP Vice President Satya Pal Malik, in-charge of drafting the agriculture policy section of the party’s election manifesto, emphasised on fulfilling the domestic demand first before permitting any exports.

“Agriculture exports are not an issue for us. However, it would depend on the domestic availability. We will not outrightly ban exports and will take a balanced view in ourpolicy in the interest of the country,” Malik said.

Farm exports cannot be permitted in times of sluggish domestic supplies. Similarly during glut, the outbound shipments cannot be restricted, he said, adding that a open policy would be adopted.

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Malik said that the party has identified the export bottlenecks being faced by farmers and it would address those issues if it forms the next government.

“Our farmers cannot sell in the global market as we don’t give huge subsidies like the US and Europe. If we have to encourage farmers to export and improve their earning, we have look into all these issues,” he said.

The country’s export of agricultural and allied products rose by 11 percent to Rs 2,01,000 crore in 2012-13, from Rs 1,78,800 crore in the previous fiscal. India is a leading riceexporter in the world.

The ongoing 2014 Lok Sabha elections will end on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 16. As per various opinion polls, the BJP is ahead of Congress-led UPA and thesaffron party is widely expected to form the next government.

PTI