Indore, Apr 30 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said wheat will be imported if required to meet shortage in production in a bid to protect the welfare of consumers and farmers.

Inaugurating the National Board of Trade's (N-BOT) on-line trading platform, Mr Pawar said while paddy registered record production, wheat production fell by 50 per cent.

The government will be required to procure wheat from open market for providing it through Public Distribution System (PDS) in view of less government stock.

Pointing out that 'Vayda Bazar' has helped to ensure right price to farmers, he said private companies had purchased their produce at more than support price from their doorsteps.

He said an amendment in the Warehousing Act could be brought in the next parliament session to provide more benefit to peasants through the 'Vayda Bazar'.

Regarding farmers' suicides, Mr Pawar said arrangement needs to be made for providing right price to agriculturists.

On the demand for national level status to N-BOT, the Agriculture Minister said the commodity exchange will be provided national level status after N-BOT took some other suggested steps like starting on-line trading facility.

Commerce and Industries Minister Babulal Gaur informed Mr Pawar about Ruchi Group Chairman Kailash Sahara's contribution in enhancing soybean cultivation in the state.

Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh told the minister that soybean cultivation had greatly benefited farmers.

Both Mr Gaur and Mr Singh urged Mr Pawar to seriously consider providing national level status to N-BOT.

UNI AA-PS MP BD1949