The Centre has extended the period of duty-free import of raw sugar till December 2010 to help mills contract on a long-term basis so that domestic demand is met. The raw sugar import at zero duty is valid till March 31,2010. The decision to extend the incentive period was taken on Tuesday by the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee,a highly-placed source said. The Food Ministry has already sent the EGoM decisions for the approval of the Election Commission as the model code of conduct is in force for assemble poll in Maharashtra,Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh. The mills will now be able to import raw sugar without the export obligation even in the 2010-11 season (October to September).
