larger quantities of seed become available for crushing Fuller exploitation of indigenous resources will reduce the country's dependence on imports. Over the past few years imports of oils and fats have averaged around two lakh tonnes. it will not be possible to do away with imports in the foreseeable future as the gap between indigenous supply and demand is too big to be made good through increased production alone. But imports need to be carefully planned if they are to produce the maximum possible impact on do- mestie prices. In view of the continuing shortage, effective measures need to be taken to discourage speculative activity and hoarding of stocks to keep the rise in prices under check. Credit curbs alone will not do.