Govt mulls extending fumigation exemption for Canadian pulses

It's mandatory to fumigate imported crops with methyl bromide in country of origin except for Canada

The government will consider extending the exemption given to traders for fumigating pulses imported from Canada at Indian ports instead of the country of origin.

India has made it mandatory to fumigate imported crops with methyl bromide, a restricted use pesticide, in the country of origin.

However, the government has been giving exemption to traders importing pulses from Canada — the world's largest pulses exporter — which has banned the use of the fumigant on environmental grounds. The current exemption is valid till March 31, 2017.

"The issue is under active consideration. We may consider continuing exemption (to Canada) after looking