The All Odisha Traders’ Association has threatened to stop import of pulses, wheat and wheat products from other States from December 9 protesting against the 5-per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) imposed on these items by the State Govt.
The traders’ body, while demanding introduction of a unitary tax system on food products, said the VAT levied on these items is exempted in 23 States and it has led to rampant black marketing of these items in Odisha leading to their high prices.
The State consumes about 67,000 metric tonne (MT) of pulses and 12,000 MT of wheat products every month. A chunk of the consumption is imported from other States.