Chandigarh: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution to meet the demands of rice millers.
In a letter to the minister, the CM noted that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) usually receives milled rice by March 31.
However, during the Kharif marketing season (KMS) 2023-24, the FCI was unable to provide storage space, leading to an extension of the delivery deadline to September 30, 2024.
The Chief Minister explained that due to this situation, rice millers in Punjab are hesitant to collect and store the paddy expected during KMS 2024-25.
He said that it is crucial for at least 20 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of rice and wheat to be moved out of Punjab from covered storage every month.
Mann pointed out that food storage facilities across the country are full, and the Government of India needs to develop strategic solutions to address this issue.
Moreover, he announced an increase in the payment for laborers involved in loading and unloading grains in the mandis by Rs 1 per quintal. This change is expected to cost the state government Rs 18 crore, according to an official press release.
