Date:31/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/03/31/stories/2006033101901200.htm

Back Export subsidy for pepper extended

G.K. Nair

Kochi , March 30

The Union Commerce Ministry has decided to extend export subsidy for pepper till the exports touched the targeted 20,000 tonnes.

Details would be available after the order is issued, probably, on Friday, official sources told Business Line.

The Centre had announced a subsidy of Rs 7 a kg and of which, Rs 5 would be for exports and Rs 2 for transporting the commodity to the domestic market. The subsidy was available for exports of 20,000 tonnes of exportable quality Indian black pepper till March 31, 2006.

Since the exports could touch only around 4,000 tonnes so far availing themselves this facility, the exporters had represented to the Spices Board and the Government to extend it till the export target set by the Commerce ministry is achieved.