Govt sticks to wheat import bidding norms
Despite challenges being faced in firming up new wheat import contracts, the Centre has ruled out any compromise on post-tender conditions for its purchase from the international market.
By Agencies |
NEW DELHI: Despite challenges being faced in firming up new wheat import contracts, the Centre has ruled out any compromise on post-tender conditions for its purchase from the international market. “We will not change the post-tendering norms for wheat imports. That is not possible,” a top food ministry official said.
“Corrigendum on wheat import norms will only be issued before the contract is being awarded in order to ensure level playing field to all the participating bidders but not later,” he said. Out of 35 lakh tonnes of wheat to be imported, contracts for 22 lakh tonnes are yet to be awarded. Projecting a 10m tonne fall in world wheat production this year, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) has forecast a strong demand outlook for the commodity during ‘06-07.
Out of the contract for 5 lakh tonnes of wheat import by India under the first phase, over 91,000 tonnes have arrived at various southern ports. The outstanding quantity of the wheat consignment bagged in the first round of State Trading Corporation-floated global tender would be delivered shortly, the exporting firm Australian Wheat Board (AWB) said.
Originally, AWB was supposed to deliver the entire quantity of the first tender by mid-May but due to reasons related to phyto-sanitary conditions, the delivery was delayed.
The Australian firm has expressed keenness to bid for the 22 lakh tonnes global tender for supply of the grain to India depending on terms and conditions. As against the decision by the government to import 30 lakh tonnes under the second phase, 8 lakh tonnes have been almost finalised.
STC, the designated canalising agency, could only garner response totalling 13 lakh tonnes in the two rounds. In the second round, the international trading company Agrico Trade and Finance offered 3 lakh tonnes while AWB offered 5 lakh tonnes wheat to India.
“Corrigendum on wheat import norms will only be issued before the contract is being awarded in order to ensure level playing field to all the participating bidders but not later,” he said. Out of 35 lakh tonnes of wheat to be imported, contracts for 22 lakh tonnes are yet to be awarded. Projecting a 10m tonne fall in world wheat production this year, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) has forecast a strong demand outlook for the commodity during ‘06-07.
Out of the contract for 5 lakh tonnes of wheat import by India under the first phase, over 91,000 tonnes have arrived at various southern ports. The outstanding quantity of the wheat consignment bagged in the first round of State Trading Corporation-floated global tender would be delivered shortly, the exporting firm Australian Wheat Board (AWB) said.
Originally, AWB was supposed to deliver the entire quantity of the first tender by mid-May but due to reasons related to phyto-sanitary conditions, the delivery was delayed.
The Australian firm has expressed keenness to bid for the 22 lakh tonnes global tender for supply of the grain to India depending on terms and conditions. As against the decision by the government to import 30 lakh tonnes under the second phase, 8 lakh tonnes have been almost finalised.
STC, the designated canalising agency, could only garner response totalling 13 lakh tonnes in the two rounds. In the second round, the international trading company Agrico Trade and Finance offered 3 lakh tonnes while AWB offered 5 lakh tonnes wheat to India.
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Food and agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said recently that the government would float fresh tenders for about 22 lakh tonnes of wheat which it was seeking to replenish depleted buffer stock. Too busy to trade in stocks? Invest in Mutual Funds with ET Money!
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