Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Foodgrain export

Sir, — The Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs has published an advertisement in leading newspapers. The contents read as follows: ``India has exported 82 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice to 20 countries earning foreign exchange of Rs. 4,000 crores''.

The implications of this performance can be simplified as follows: (i) The export realised price is Rs. 4.90 per kg, whereas the cost price is Rs. 9.40 per kg (including procurement, handling, storage etc) (ii) The importing countries pay 10 American cents per kg of wheat/rice; (iii) Indian foodgrain production has decreased to 199 million tonnes during 2000-2001 compared to 208.9 million tonnes during 1999-2000; (iv) The National Sample Survey for 1973, 83, and 93 shows that the per capita in take of calories and protein is decreasing; (v) According to the National Institution of Nutrition, Hyderabad, the minimum quantity of foodgrains required is 182.5 kg per person annually; (vi) In India, 200 million people, especially women and children sleep hungry and (vii) The per capita arable land area has creased from 0.195 ha during 1990 to 0.163 ha during 2000.

Should we export food grains?

S.A. Koppar,

Hubli, Karnataka

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