Bomb Debate

The second forecast had indicated an increase of 3.3 per cent in area to 2,78 mn hectares.
The export quota for the 1980-81 season had been fixed at 729,000 tonnes, but the government banned sugar exports o n February 21, 1981, by when only 71,500 tonnes had been exported. On the contrary, arrangements were made towards the end of tha season to import 200,000 tonnes at a cost of about Rs 103 crore. However, hardly 150,000 tonnes of sugar have actually arrived. And disposal of even this quantity has been presenting problems. Early in October government invited tenders for 25,000 tonnes of imported sugar Since the prices offered were only Rs 420 to 480 per quintal, all the tenders were rejected. Tenders were again called for 25,000 tonnes and this time bids for 14,500 tonnes were accepted. If the imported sugar has to be distributed through the fair price shops, the government would have to bear a loss of Rs 45 crore.