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13th January 2002

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Forbidden fruit?

By Hiranthi Fernando
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development S.B. Dissanayake's sudden announcement of a proposed ban on the import of vegetables and cut flowers, threw importers and traders who deal in these items into confusion. It also had consumers worried, fearful that they would be deprived of the apples and oranges that have now become a popular part of their diet. 

Today several varieties of imported fruits, such as apples, pears and grapes, are freely available in the market at reasonable prices. Potatoes imported from India and Pakistan are also cheaper than the locally grown potatoes. Florists also use some imported varieties of flowers in their arrangements particularly in bridal bouquets.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Minister said the ban on imported vegetables takes effect immediately with a tax of 50% being imposed. With regard to cut flowers, a deadline of three months has been set for the ban to take effect. "If anyone wants to have imported flowers for their weddings, they can get married in Singapore," the Minister remarked. In the case of fruits however, he said that discussions were in progress and a master plan was to be drawn up to improve cultivation locally before banning the imported varieties. An increase in the tax levied is also being introduced.

Ministry officials however were not fully aware of the details of the ban. A Cabinet decision was needed to implement the ban and no formal instructions have been received yet. However, an official explained that there was provision in the regulations to impose up to 50% duty on the CIF price of imported vegetables. 

An official of the National Plant Quarantine Services said permits are not issued for the import of vegetables as their import was banned a few years ago. Permits are issued for five varieties of fruits, namely, apples, oranges, grapes, pomegranates and occasionally pears. Importers also sometimes apply for permits to import kiwi fruit. These licences are issued on a case by case basis depending on the country imported from and various other factors. There are about 10 to 15 importers in the country who import the bulk of these items. 

A large-scale importer said that he imports fruits that are not available in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that if the import of fruits is banned, it would affect the employment of a large number of workers engaged in the sale of fruits. At present there are about 100,000 people selling these fruits on the roadside. 

The importer said they also import potatoes when there is a scarcity. A duty of Rs. 30 is levied on each kilo of potatoes imported. He felt that if the local production can be improved it would be good to stop the import of potatoes so that the local cultivators get some benefit. But if the import of goods is stopped, steps must be taken to ensure that the goods are available locally so that the consumer does not suffer, he said. 

Supermarkets that stock many imported varieties of fruit and vegetables were not however, unduly worried. Mr. Rajiv Dharmendran, Director, General Manager of the Keells chain of supermarkets said they purchase 99% of their requirements of vegetables locally so the ban would not have an effect on the prices. They do not import fruits themselves but purchase some varieties of imported fruits from an importer. 

Several consumers were also quick to point out that in the case of fruits, many pick apples and oranges only because they are still cheaper than the mangoes and papaws which are prohibitively priced. "We should be ensured a good and inexpensive supply of local fruits before the Minister thinks of stopping imports," said one anxious houswife. 



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