Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Demands Action Against Illegal Raisin Imports from China

Large quantities of inferior quality raisins are being imported from China into India, often evading taxes and duties, it has been revealed. This is causing significant financial losses to grape-producing farmers in the country, as noted by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in his letter.

Taking note of this serious situation, Pawar has sent letters to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, requesting immediate measures to be implemented. He has clearly demanded that the central government should not only stop the illegal import of raisins but also ensure market prices remain stable.

During the monsoon session of the legislature, MLA Jayant Patil and MLA Rohit Patil drew attention to the illegal import of raisins coming from China via Nepal. Pawar immediately took official action on this.

The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned in his letter that the prices of raisins have currently fallen by 100 to 125 rupees per kilogram, which means that the growers are not even able to cover their production costs. Moreover, this illegal import is causing a significant loss to government revenue.

Demand for these measures from the central government -

Immediately stop the illegal import of raisins from China.

Make inspection systems more effective at ports, airports, and markets.

Ensure accuracy in quality and tax collection during import.

Adopt a price control policy in the market to ensure domestic farmers get a fair price for their raisins.

Taking serious note of the joint demand by the Grape Growers Association along with MLAs Jayant Patil and Rohit Patil, the Deputy Chief Minister has made this official request to the central government.

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