June 14, 2005

 

USDA: India considers wheat imports

 

 

India considers wheat imports

 

Ruling out any move to increase the wheat sales price under the Public Distribution System, India's Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, also the Minister of Food and Public Distribution, said the government might import wheat for its food-for-work program if necessary. 

 

The minister also said that importing from smaller countries will be one of the efforts made to ensure that global wheat prices do not fluctuate due to Indian imports. 

 

FTA for India and Australia?

 

The Australian Foreign Minister, Mr. Alexander Downer, hinted at the possibility of India and Australia entering into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

 

While on a visit to India, Downer said at a press conference in Delhi that it was "perfectly possible" for an FTA to be reached between India and Australia in the future. 

 

Monsato cotton banned in Indian state

 

The Andhra Pradesh state government has barred Monsanto from marketing its Bt cotton varieties in the state.

 

This was done due to the perceived failure of the company's seeds during the previous season, and Monsanto's alleged refusal to pay farmers compensation as decided by the government. 

 

Differences arose between Monsanto and the government when the latter sought a compensation package of about rs. 45 million (US$1 million) from Monsanto as the crop had 'failed' in a few districts due to 'inferior' seeds. 

 

 

For the full USDA report, click here.