Export of processed food may get nod

In a step towards evolving a long-term farm produce export policy, the Cabinet is expected to discuss a proposal to allow export of processed food and value-added agriculture products, even if there is a ban on export of the basic produce.

Officials in the know said if this proposal was cleared, it would help in building a brand for Indian processed food items in the global markets.

“There have been instance, when cheese exports were stopped because export of milk was banned. Once this policy is in place, such cases will be rare,” a senior official explained.

Some people in the know said the Cabinet was also likely to discuss another proposal to increase the import duty on edible oils to give a fillip to domestic crushing, which has come to a virtual standstill because of low duties, and also to protect the interest of growers.