Gandhinagar, 29 August 2013

The Gujarat government today withdrew the Value Added Tax (VAT) on cumin and fennel crops. At present 5% VAT is levied on these crops. This decision will help farmers and laborers associated with cumin and fennel.

Gujarat’s market yards like Unjha, Rajkot, Gondal, Jamnagar, Nadiad, Halvad, Radhanpur, Tharad, Deesa, Patan, Talod, Bayad, Dhansura etc deal with cumin and fennel. Cumin and fennel provide employment to thousands of people and earn huge foreign currency.

Unjha MLA and senior BJP leader Shri Naranbhai Patel and others had demanded withdrawal of VAT over cumin and fennel before the Chief Minister.

In response to this, the Chief Miister had constituted a committee consisting ministers Nitin Patel, Anandiben Patel, Saurabh Patel, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Babubhai Bokhiria.

It has to be noted that neighboring Rajasthan government has withdrawn VAT on these two crops a few months back. This has impacted some trade in Gujarat. The latest decision of the state government will help to recover the business.

Related article: Rs. 13 billion cumin trade yearly, but Unjha market yard has its own challenges