Demand for lifting curbs on cotton exports in Rajya Sabha

Samajwadi Party and Opposition parties today pressed for lifting of restrictions on cotton exports, receiving assurance from Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar that the growers' interest will be protected.

Responding to a demand from SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav for removing curbs on cotton exports, Pawar said in the Rajya Sabha the government has received reports that the cotton prices have come down by Rs 400-500 per quintal.

 "I, Finance Minister and Textile Minister will together find a way to ensure that the farmers' interest is not harmed," the Agriculture Minister said, answering questions.

The government notified restrictions on cotton exports on April 19 and later removed several export-related  concessions to cool the fibre prices in the domestic market.
   
Yadav said if the exports are allowed, cotton growers in Vidharaba region of Maharashtra would be benefited, as globally there is much demand.
   
Pawar said the export restrictions were imposed based on the views of the Textile Ministry stating that the domestic industry was facing cotton shortages.
  
Several BJP, JD(U) and BSP members also protested the government move, demanding the matter be discussed threadbare.
   
The move to curb exports followed about 22 per cent increase in its price since October last.