Shivraj Chouhan Says Import Duty Hike On Edible Oils To Protect Farmers From Cheap Imports

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the government’s decision to impose a 20 percent import duty on edible oils will benefit domestic farmers by ensuring better prices for their oilseed crops, especially soybean. The total levy, including cess, will reach 27.5 percent, aiming to curb the influx of cheaper imported oils that have been driving down local prices. Chouhan explained that, until now, zero percent import duties allowed cheaper edible oils to flood the market, harming farmers' profitability. The increased duty, he said, is a crucial step toward safeguarding domestic agriculture. Alongside the hike in duties on edible oils, Chouhan noted that the government has also reduced export duties on onions and removed the 9.5 percent export duty on Basmati rice to further support Indian farmers. In his visit to his Vidisha constituency, Chouhan reassured that the Madhya Pradesh government will purchase soybean at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), providing additional security for farmers. Later, he participated in the Ganesh idol immersion ceremony in Bhopal, marking his commitment to both public and cultural duties. Listen in