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. |
