New Delhi
The Central Government on Sunday dispelled concerns over a shortage of storage space affecting paddy procurement in Punjab, calling it ‘misinformation’ spread by vested interests. Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring adequate storage capacity.
‘There are rumors being circulated. I want to clarify that it is the government’s responsibility to create sufficient storage space, and we are addressing it,’ Joshi stated during a media briefing alongside Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra and FCI Chairman Vanita Rattan Sharma.
Punjab currently has 14 lakh tonnes of storage capacity, which is expected to increase to 16 lakh tonnes by November 1. Additionally, 31 lakh tonnes of capacity is being developed under the Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) scheme.
To manage procurement effectively, 3,800 millers have applied for paddy lifting, with 3,250 already allocated stock for rice conversion. So far, payments worth Rs 9,819.88 crore have been cleared, with Rs 7,641 crore already reaching farmers.
A high-level committee under FCI is monitoring storage and movement plans weekly. Punjab has been allocated 40% of the national movement target for October, amounting to 13.76 lakh tonnes.
The government is also focused on addressing concerns over the lower out-turn ratio (OTR) from paddy to rice, particularly regarding the PR-126 variety. IIT-Kharagpur has been commissioned to conduct a detailed study to assess the situation. The minister also mentioned that an online portal for addressing rice millers’ grievances will be launched soon, and regional FCI offices have been empowered to resolve transportation issues.
