08/01/2008 (Gulf Times, Qatar), Kozhidoke - The Kerala port town of Beypore yesterday witnessed a protest by various political parties and farmers’ organisations over the import of palm oil.

Police used force to remove protesters of Yuva Janata Dal, the youth wing of Janata Dal (Secular), who tried to block entry to the port, as an Indonesian ship, Global Triton, arrived to unload 3,000 tonnes of oil.

Kozhikode-based Parison’s Food Pvt Ltd was importing the oil.

Farmers and political parties are opposing the import of palm oil because they fear further fall in coconut oil prices.

Kerala has around 3mn coconut farmers, who are facing a crisis following the dip in prices.

On December 24, the central government banned import of palm oil through Kerala ports.

The Kerala High Court, however, allowed this shipment as Parison’s had entered into a contract for the consignment before the government banned the import.

The court order was issued on January 1, following a writ petition by Parison’s challenging the ban.

– IANS-