Raipur, 16 February 2021. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Amarjit Bhagat reviewed the departmental preparations in connection with the custom milling of paddy purchased on support price in Kharif marketing year 2020-21 and disposal of surplus paddy in the meeting of officials here today. Minister Shri Bhagat said that despite the principle of taking 60 lakh metric tonnes of rice from the state of Chhattisgarh by the Government of India, orders have not been issued in this regard till date. He said that if the quota for taking rice from Chhattisgarh is not increased by the Government of India, then in such a situation the state government will take necessary action for the disposal of surplus paddy.
Food Minister Shri Amarjeet Bhagat said that the State Government has requested to increase the amount of rice procurement in Food Corporation of India from 24 lakh metric tonnes of rice to 40 lakh metric tonnes, which is pending till today. In the state of Chhattisgarh, 92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been purchased on support price this year. The amount of paddy acquired by the central government in lieu of rice taken from Chhattisgarh is very high. Due to the increase in the quantity of rice taken by the Central Government, about 21 lakh metric tonnes of paddy will remain surplus in the state of Chhattisgarh. Execution of this surplus paddy in a time-bound manner is necessary.
Minister Shri Bhagat said that Chhattisgarh Government has also requested the Government of India and FCI to give consent to take rice in old gunny bags. He himself has discussed the matter with the Food Secretary, Government of India over telephone. Shri Bhagat said that due to non-receipt of new jute gunny bags as per requirement from the Government of India for the purchase of paddy, the consent of the Government of India has been given to purchase paddy in the old gunny bags. FCI has been requested by the state government to take rice in the old gunny bags.
Minister Shri Bhagat directed the departmental officers to review the complaints received from the farmers regarding procurement of paddy immediately and expedite the work in custom milling. Shri Bhagat also reviewed the distribution of food grains from fair price shops in the state. He inquired about the quality of food grains from the officials. Shri Bhagat instructed to complete the construction works at the earliest to increase the storage capacity of food grains in the state. Food Department Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Special Secretary Mr. Manoj Soni, Managing Director Nan Sri Niranjan Das, MD Markfed Mr. Ankit Anand and other officials were present.
Raipur: So far 52.91 lakh MT paddy offtake from procurement centers: Food Minister Shri Bhagat reviews preparations for auction of surplus paddy with custom milling
