July 10, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 9,1424

ISLAMABAD, July 9: The Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind, said on Wednesday that all out efforts would be made to improve oilseed production in the country in order to minimise its import.

He was speaking at a meeting to discuss problems of oilseed importers and All Pakistan Solvent Extractors’ Association.

Also present in the meeting were the Minister of State for Food and Agriculture, Mr Sikander Hayat Khan Bosan, Chairman of Central Board of Revenue, representatives of the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, oilseed importers and solvent extractors’ association.

The meeting heard the viewpoint of solvent industry about reduction of duty in order to make the import of soyabean viable for the industry. The soyabean imported from the United States is more expensive and it is rendered still more expensive by the levy of taxes applicable also to the much cheaper palm oil.

The solvent industry representatives were assured that the government would consider their point of view regarding reduction in duty on soyabean.

The issue of duty on olein palm oil also came under discussion. The meeting, according to official spokesman, decided to make adjustments keeping in view the present scenario for providing a level-playing field to the importers of RBD and oilseed.

The solvent industry promised to purchase all the oilseed produce from the farmers at reasonable rates.