Should the Centre Stop the Illegal Import of Raisins from China?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urgently appeals to the Central government to halt the illegal imports of substandard Chinese raisins, which are causing financial losses to local grape farmers and affecting national revenue. His call to action seeks immediate measures to stabilize raisin prices and protect the livelihoods of farmers across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action is needed to stop illegal raisin imports from China.
- Financial losses to grape farmers due to unfair competition.
- The government must stabilize raisin prices to protect local agriculture.
- Improved inspection and tax collection systems can help mitigate losses.
- Ensuring quality control is essential for the domestic market.
Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has urgently called on the Central government to halt the illegal imports of raisins from China. He highlighted that a significant volume of substandard raisins is being imported, bypassing taxes, which is resulting in considerable losses for local grape farmers and impacting national revenue.
In correspondence with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Deputy Chief Minister has urged for immediate action to avert financial detriment to grape producers by stabilizing raisin prices.
Pawar emphasized the plight of grape farmers in Maharashtra and across the nation. He stated, "The illegal import of low-grade raisins from China has surged. These raisins are entering India in large numbers while dodging import duties, which is eroding government revenue and hurting the economy. This season's unlawful imports have driven down local raisin prices by INR 150 per kg, inflicting substantial financial harm on farmers."
Posting on the social media platform X, he expressed: "The rampant importation of subpar raisins from China is wreaking havoc on grape farmers in the state and jeopardizing national finances. We must act swiftly to stop these imports and stabilize raisin prices to protect our farmers as outlined in my letter to the Central government."
He insisted on immediate steps from the Central government to curb these practices and enforce strict measures against the illegal importation and distribution of raisins.
Pawar proposed that to maintain quality and ensure fair tax collection, the systems for inspection and taxation at ports, airports, and markets should be made more efficient.
He concluded by reiterating the necessity for prompt actions to stabilize raisin prices this season to safeguard farmers from further losses.
Point of View
It's clear that the illegal importation of raisins from China poses a significant threat to local agriculture and national revenue. Addressing these challenges is crucial to support our farmers and maintain economic stability. The government must act decisively to protect the interests of grape producers across Maharashtra and beyond.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions has Ajit Pawar proposed regarding the import of raisins?
Ajit Pawar has called for the Central government to stop the illegal import of raisins from China and implement measures to stabilize raisin prices to protect local grape farmers.
How much have raisin prices dropped due to illegal imports?
Pawar stated that illegal imports have caused the prices of locally produced raisins to fall by INR 150 per kg.
What is the impact of these imports on national revenue?
The evasion of import taxes associated with these raisins is leading to significant losses in government revenue.
What measures does Pawar suggest to improve tax collection?
He suggests enhancing the efficiency of inspection and tax collection systems at ports, airports, and markets.
Why is this issue important for grape farmers?
The illegal import of low-quality raisins undermines the market for locally produced raisins, threatening the livelihoods of grape farmers in Maharashtra and the country.
