Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 73
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Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
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Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 74
Cake\Controller\Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 610
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 162
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\AssetMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/AssetMiddleware.php, line 88
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Code Context
            if (Configure::read('debug')) {

                trigger_error($message, E_USER_WARNING);

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		&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari&#039;,
		&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
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-The Economic Times
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&lt;br /&gt;
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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;
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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now&lt;br /&gt;-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas&lt;br /&gt;/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 15930,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
	&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
-The Economic Times
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.
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&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now&lt;br /&gt;-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas&lt;br /&gt;/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;
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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET...."/>
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                <strong>KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari</strong></h1>
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                <div style="text-align: justify">-The Economic Times</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.</div><div style="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now<br />-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas<br />/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1</a>&nbsp;</em></div>               </font>
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-The Economic Times
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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
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&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;
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We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
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&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;
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	&#039;metaTitle&#039; =&gt; &#039;Interviews | KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari&#039;,
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now&lt;br /&gt;-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas&lt;br /&gt;/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 15930,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
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-The Economic Times
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now&lt;br /&gt;-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas&lt;br /&gt;/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;
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                <strong>KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari</strong></h1>
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                <div style="text-align: justify">-The Economic Times</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.</div><div style="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now<br />-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas<br />/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1</a>&nbsp;</em></div>               </font>
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		&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari&#039;,
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		&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
-The Economic Times
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&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;
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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. 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	&#039;id&#039; =&gt; (int) 15930,
	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
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-The Economic Times
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There&#039;s no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&amp;nbsp;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;
&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;-The Economic Times&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;There&#039;s a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can&#039;t control. 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We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses&#039; production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;It&#039;s been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There&#039;s no time line as of now.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can&#039;t regulate it.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot; title=&quot;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&quot;&gt;http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now&lt;br /&gt;-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas&lt;br /&gt;/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET...."/>
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                <strong>KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari</strong></h1>
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                <div style="text-align: justify">-The Economic Times</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.</div><div style="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now<br />-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas<br />/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1</a>&nbsp;</em></div>               </font>
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-The Economic Times
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
&nbsp;
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1</a>&nbsp;</em>
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....',
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	'id' => (int) 15930,
	'title' => 'KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari',
	'subheading' => '',
	'description' => '<div style="text-align: justify">
-The Economic Times
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?</em>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
&nbsp;
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify">
<em>The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1</a>&nbsp;</em>
</div>',
	'credit_writer' => 'The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1',
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$metaTitle = 'Interviews | KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari'
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-The Economic Times





Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET....'
$disp = '<div style="text-align: justify">-The Economic Times</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts:</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this.</div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify">The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.</div><div style="text-align: justify">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify"><em>The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012,&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1" title="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now<br />-government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas<br />/articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1</a>&nbsp;</em></div>'
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KV Thomas, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister interviewed by Rituraj Tiwari

-The Economic Times Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister KV Thomas is worried about the climbing food inflation. But international demand-supply situation and rising crude prices make it tough to rein it in, says the minister in an interview with ET. Excerpts: There's a fear of below normal monsoon this year. But we have opened up our farm exports including key commodities like sugar, wheat and rice. We have ample stocks of foodgrain and sugar. The global market is also warming up to make it an opportune time for us to export. However, we should tread cautiously on export front. Our priority is to meet the requirements of our people. A lot has been written about record production and availability of foodgrain. But prices are still soaring. What are you doing to rein in food inflation? Frankly speaking, we can do little about it. The agri-input cost has increased. We have to give higher minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers. Moreover, food inflation is governed by several external factors, which we can't control. Higher global crude prices stoke inflation. So far, monsoon has been weak. Is food ministry ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of grains across the country? We have ample foodgrain in our godowns. There's no worry on that front. We have a robust PDS, which has become more transparent after computerisation. We will take it up as a top priority if state governments demand extra grain allocation. How will you ensure availability of pulses if output is not up to the expectation? We expect the monsoon to be good. Agriculture department is promoting pulses' production. It has increased the MSP and launched special drive to improve pulses production. However, if output is low, we will import pulses. It's been over six month since the C Rangarajan committee was constituted to examine de-regulation of sugar sector. What is its status? The committee has so far held two meetings. The ministry officials are preparing chapter-wise detail of the issues discussed in the meetings. Once this is documented, the committee will take it up further. There's no time line as of now. Is there a possibility of lowering levy obligation on sugar mills? We are considering the issue of lowering the levy obligation. I have discussed this issue with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. He has given some suggestions. However, we are yet to finalise on this. Forward Market Commission (FMC) has come up with a report, examining reasons behind the extraordinary surge in guar seeds and guar gum prices. Have you taken any action on that? The ministry is analysing the report. We will take action only after the complete analysis. We have suggested FMC to constitute a committee, involving all stakeholders, to keep a close watch on the price behaviour. FMC is an autonomous body. We can't regulate it.   The Economic Times, 4 July, 2012, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/now -government-can-do-little-to-curb-food-inflation-kv-thomas /articleshow/14663356.cms?curpg=1