Chandigarh
Former Union Minister Harsimrat Badal has called upon Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal to promptly address the concerns of rice millers in Punjab, who are currently protesting against punitive measures taken by the Food Corporation of India (FCI). In a letter to the minister, Badal emphasized that penalizing millers for issues related to the quality of fortified rice kernels (FRK) production was unjustifiable. Badal clarified that the responsibility for FRK quality should not solely fall on the millers, as they are solely engaged in the mechanical blending of micronutrients and not in the actual production of fortifying materials. She pointed out that the recent rejection of over 1,000 lots of FRK by the FCI had resulted in an imposed penalty of Rs 62 lakh on the millers, without comprehensive assessment of their milling quality. The former Bathinda MP highlighted the impact of the ongoing strike by millers on the state’s procurement process, leading to congestion in grain markets and causing distress to farmers and commission agents. Badal also underscored the additional challenges faced by farmers due to adverse weather conditions, while expressing concern over the reduction in compensation for drying rice and depreciation of jute bags, adversely affecting the millers. The appeal highlights the necessity of addressing the systemic issues at hand and fostering a collaborative approach to ensure the smooth functioning of the procurement process, safeguarding the interests of farmers and allied stakeholders in the rice production sector.
