A fall in the prices of these commodities had led to speculation that import duties on them would be hiked. In March, the government had imposed a 10 per cent import duty on wheat to check the fall in domestic prices.

Prices of wheat in key markets of Kota in Rajasthan are currently at ₹1,500-1,530 per 100 kg, lower than the minimum support price of ₹1,625.A bumper crop this year has kept prices of most farm produce under pressure.Wheat production in the country for 2016-17 (July-June) is estimated at 97.44 mln tonne, up from 92.29 mln tonne a year ago.

The government also levies a 40 per cent customs duty on import of raw and white sugar.

Earlier this month, sugar mills had urged the government to raise the import duty to 60 per cent, as low global prices of raw sugar have made imports attractive.

The edible oil industry too hase been lobbying for an increase in import duties of crude and refined edible oils to 20 per cent and 35 per cent from 12.5 per cent and 20 per cent , respectively