| Date: |
08-04-2015 |
| Subject: |
Yemen crisis: Exports of groundnut, bajra take a hit |
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AHMEDABAD: The crisis in Yemen has hit the exports of groundnut and bajra (green millet) from Gujarat as exporters have stopped exports. Even the buyers in the war ravaged country, too, have advised exporters not make any shipments as the ambiguity looms large in Yemen.
Groundnut and green millet are the main commodities exported to Yemen. As per the data available with Indian Oilseed and Produce Promotion Council (IOEPC), the exports of groundnut from India to Yemen stood at 5,879 tonnes in 2013-14. Gujarat is the leading groundnut producing and exporting state in the country.
"The export to Yemen has become very very risky. The exporters to this country have stopped exports and all the exporters are avoiding shipment to the Middle East country," said Bhaskar Shah, chairman, Indian Spice and Foodstuff Exporters Association.
According to sources, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd (ECGC) has verbally informed exporters of withdrawal of insurance cover to Yemen-bound exports.
"There is a huge uncertainty in Yemen. Orders have also been cancelled in some cases. We are avoiding any export order to that country," said Kamlesh Badani, a Junagadh-based exporter of groundnut.
Bajra is another commodity, exports of which has been impacted. "Bajra to the tune of 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes is exported to Yemen through Gujarat ports," added Himanshu Raiyani of Rajkot-based export company. Gujarat is also one of the top five bajra producing states in India.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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