ELECTRONICS-World Bank s Prescription

of another high oil-yielding seed. Sales of imported seed should be made on an open tender basis with a ceiling related to the crushing/processing capacity of the unit concerned. This will help maximise sales realisation and also ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the imported material. It may also be desirable to stipulate some export obligation on the unit using imported seed. The quantum of imported seed should be gradually stepped up, depending on how the scheme operates. The benefits of importing seeds, instead of oils, are all too obvious. The country stands to gain through saving in foreign exchange expenditure. The consumer stands to benefit from easier availability at relatively cheap prices of good quality oil obtained through imported seeds. The processing industry will get raw material it needs to utilise its idle capacity. It is an established practice among major net importers of oils and fats the world' over to effect their purchases in the form of seeds.