Coffee exporters express concerns over rising freight rates
Several coffee exporters highlighted their concerns about rising international freight charges during an interactive session between Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and coffee growers, roasters, and exporters on Saturday.
According to exporters, Indian agri-exports have become less competitive in a number of markets.
“If the government does not provide increased assistance to agri-exporters under the Transport and Marketing Assistance Scheme (TMA), India may permanently lose many markets for Agri exports to other competing origins,” the exporters said in a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
However, the union minister reassured exporters that a special package to help agri-exports for at least a year will be considered under the TMA Scheme to help them weather the storm.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Coffee Board suggested that the minister declare the consolidation of all existing loans into a single term loan with a long repayment period, as well as the extension of new working capital at a low interest rate.
In response, the minister expressed his sympathies with the coffee farmers during this difficult time and promised to work out a viable package in consultation with the relevant ministries.
