New Delhi: A delegation comprising Shri Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri, Shri B.Y. Raghavendra, Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary, Shri Araga Jnanendra, President, Adike Mahamandala, Shri S.R. Sathishchandra, President, CAMPCO, and Dr. B.V. Sathyanarayana, Managing Director, CAMPCO, met the Hon’ble Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, at his office in New Delhi.
The delegation apprised the Hon’ble Minister of the serious challenges being faced by arecanut growers and cooperative institutions engaged in the procurement and marketing of arecanut.
The delegation particularly drew attention to the issue of illegal and undervalued imports of arecanut through various HS classifications, including the import of roasted arecanut under the new classification introduced with effect from October last year. It was highlighted that such imports, particularly when entering the domestic market at low prices, are adversely affecting domestic arecanut prices and causing considerable hardship to growers.
The delegation also brought to the Minister’s notice the issue of duty-free and non-MIP-compliant imports entering the domestic market, thereby undermining the objective of measures introduced to protect domestic arecanut growers.
CAMPCO President Shri S.R. Sathishchandra emphasised the need for a “One Nation, One Tax” approach in the true spirit of GST. He pointed out that cooperative institutions are subjected to additional local taxes and levies in certain States, while private traders are often able to structure their operations to avoid such burdens, placing cooperatives at a competitive disadvantage. He urged that a uniform taxation framework be ensured to provide a level playing field for cooperative institutions working in the interest of farmers.
The Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister assured the delegation that suitable action would be taken regarding the deviations brought to his notice and reaffirmed his support to cooperatives and their members.
Delegation Meets Union Finance Minister on GST on Copper Sulphate
The delegation also met the Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and raised the issue of the high GST rate on Copper Sulphate, which is used as a fungicide in Bordeaux mixture and is widely used by arecanut and other plantation crop growers.
The delegation pointed out that Copper Sulphate attracts 18% GST when used as a fungicide, whereas the same product attracts 5% GST when used as a micronutrient. The delegation sought rationalisation of the GST rate applicable to Copper Sulphate used for agricultural and plant-protection purposes, considering its essential role in crop protection and the financial burden on farmers.
The Hon’ble Finance Minister also apprised the delegation of the attention being given by the Government to preventing illegal import routes and strengthening vigilance at ports to curb the entry of improperly imported goods.
The CAMPCO delegation expressed its appreciation to both Hon’ble Union Ministers for giving a patient hearing to the concerns raised and for their continued support towards the welfare of farmers, cooperatives and the plantation sector.
