The Government has raised the customs duty on wheat from 20% to 30% in order to curb cheaper imports and protect domestic growers.
The import duty on walnut shell has also been increased from 30% to 100%, according to a late night notification issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
The increase in import duty on wheat comes in the wake of record domestic production and fear of cheaper imports from international market, especially from Russia where the production is expected to be better this year. The Government wants to restrict overseas purchase so that domestic prices of wheat do not come under pressure.