In December 2006 the
Government of India took a decision to introduce a CAP on the import of
Pepper from Sri Lanka into India under the Indo Sri Lanka Free Trade
Agreement ( ISFTA ).Before the introduction of this CAP of 2500 tonnes,
Pepper was freely imported into India under the ISFTA since 2003 with no
quantitative restrictions, stated Gulam Chatoor, a Past Chairman of Spices
and Allied Products (SAPPTA).
Sri Lanka decided not to export any Pepper under ISFTA in 2007 while
the Department of Commerce had discussions with their counterpart ever
since the introduction of the CAP with a view to having the status quo
restored, but without any success. It appears that this CAP is the result
of the political lobby of Kerala which is a large grower of Pepper in
India.
Now with both countries looking at introducing CEPA, ( Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement) taking one step forward after ISFTA, It is
hoped that India would consider restoring the status quo and allowing free
imports in keeping with the spirit of the agreement, concluded Gulam
Chatoor.
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