New Delhi: Crop Care Federation of India, a body of agrochemical manufactures in India, has sought the appointment with the Minister of Ports, Shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to discuss the issues in exporting agrochemicals. The export of agrochemicals is being hampered due to the non-availability of shipping containers and an increase in freight charges up to 800 %. CCFI recently wrote to the minister in this regard. Though a reply on their representation is yet to come the exporters are hopeful that government will address their issues soon.
"Freight increase ranging from 250% to 800% was not only totally unexpected during last one year but it has resulted in significantly lower exports. We have appealed to the shipping ministry the need to stop cartelization by the shipping lines which is unjustifiable" said Deepak Shah, Chairman of Crop Care Federation of India.
Amid the surge in imports of agrochemicals in India, the Indian manufacturers have continuously been improving on the exports front. "Indian agrochemical exports have reached 30,000 crore, which is the highest figure now, and we are exporting to 130 countries. Almost 90% of exports were made last year by indigenous manufacturers who are CCFI members. This growth trend must be maintained to establish our global supremacy in quality and price. The entire burden of additional freight is crippling the export business" said Harish Mehta, senior advisor CCFI.
The federation has requested the ministry that any container likely to be held beyond 2 weeks be allowed for unloading and empty containers be made available for export shipments. CCFI also requested the minister to recommend and report the matter to the Ministry of Finance so that exporters can be subsidized by the government to avoid the entire export effort from collapsing.
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