The Centre has decided to put an embargo on creation of new Agriculture Export Zones and has asked the states to reconsider the proposals pending with them. | |
| "The state governments have been asked to reconsider the proposals in the light of the decision," official sources said. |
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| The Centre had received 34 proposals for setting up of AEZs but it was decided that instead of sanctioning more AEZs, efforts should be made to strengthen the existing zones. |
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| Sources said the Centre would make exceptions only if there are "strong and compelling" reasons. |
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| AEZs, as opposed to Special Economic Zones, are agro climatic zones specializing in particular product spread over an area of a district. |
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| The decision to put an embargo on creating of new AEZs was taken after a "peer" evaluation of existing ones. |
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| The government has so far sanctioned 60 AEZs since the policy was formulated in 2001. However, they have failed to take off in a significant way even after five years of their existence. |
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| While the government has decided to put an embargo on sanctioning any more agri zones, it is not willing to put a cap on number of SEZs despite strong opposition, particularly from the Left. |
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| While the total agri exports from India aggregate to almost nine billion dollars, the contribution from AEZs remains much below expectations. |
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| The main agriculture products exported from India are foodgrains, nuts and seeds, meat, poultry and dairy products, processed foods, tobacco, tea and coffee. |
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