More Entry Points For Nepal Farm Goods

India will provide three additional entry points for the import of agricultural goods from Nepal. This was conveyed by agriculture minister Ajit Singh to the visiting Nepalese business delegation here today.

At present, thanks to the imposition of the quarantine norms, the agriculture-based products of Nepal can enter India only from one authorised entry point. The delegation, led by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Ravi Bhakta Shresta, pointed out that this was creating problems for the farmers of Nepal to export their products. It suggested that some more entry points should be allowed for such products.

The Nepalese industry also asked the Indian government to lift restrictions on wheat exports.

Shrestha said while there were no restrictions in India for importing wheat from any other country, it was unfortunate that the Indian government had imposed restrictions on Nepalese wheat.

The delegation also suggested that, besides the existing laboratory facility at Raxaul, additional laboratory facilities for testing samples of drugs and cosmetics should be set up to facilitate export of such products from Nepal. It also wanted branded products to be allowed to enter India without the need for testing every consignment.

The delegation pointed out that several state governments were imposing different taxes on Nepalese products, making them uncompetitive. An agricultural product like tea was being considered a luxury item and luxury tax was being charged on it. Obstacles were created often by forest officials as well in the case of export of herbs from Nepal, they pointed out.

It also asked the government to recognise phyto-sanitary certificates issued by the Nepalese government.

Shrestha said while the Indian government had imposed quarantine laws on Nepalese agriculture and forestry product imports, no quarantine depots had been established in Nepal.