DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Taking up the burning issue of acute shortage of covered storage space for delivery of rice with the FCI in the State of Punjab, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday called upon the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Mr. Pralhad Joshi.

During his meeting with the Union Minister, Mr. Kataruchak apprised the Union Minister that there is an acute shortage of space for receipt of rice in the State which has been aggravated by the limited movement of only 3-4 Lakh Metric tonnes of Rice from the State since the last 5 months/April 24.

Pointing out further, Mr. Kataruchak said that the issue needs to be resolved at the earliest keeping in view the fact that the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS)-2024 is set to begin from October 1 and approximately 185-190 LMT Paddy is likely to be procured during the season which would further yield 125-128 LMT rice.

He emphasized on early resolution of the issue since the rice millers of Punjab are worried due to the continuous space problem and this may impact smooth procurement of paddy during the season.

Emphasizing the personal intervention of the Union Minister, Mr. Kataruchak urged him to direct the FCI for making requisite arrangements of covered storage space and ensure a minimum monthly movement of 20 Lakh Metric Tonnes by mobilizing atleast 25 rakes of wheat and rice from covered godowns per day from Punjab from September 2024 to March 2025 in order to create adequate space for storing rice for KMS 2024-25 and ensuring a hassle free procurement season.

The Union Minister assured to resolve the space issue and other issues of the State at the earliest.
(editor@dailyworld.in)