New Delhi (NVI): The Department of Food & Public Distribution has now allowed all remaining procuring states to commence/proceed with their procurement operations for paddy/rice in Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21 with effect from today.
However, the commencement of procurement period in respect of Kerala and that of Punjab and Haryana will remain unchanged.
This would ensure that farmers are facilitated in selling their produce at Minimum Support Price (MSP) expeditiously, according to a Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution statement.
The Department has issued uniform specifications of food grains for Central Pool procurement for the ensuing Kharif Marketing Seasons (KMS) 2020-21.
Notably, these specifications as per standard practice have been issued in respect of paddy, rice and other coarse grains namely Jowar, Bajra, Maize and Ragi, the statement added.
Furthermore, these specifications also include standards of rice for issue to states and UTs for distribution under TDPS and Other Welfare Schemes based on the uniform specifications of rice for KMS 2020-21.
It is for the first time that uniform specification for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) for grade A & Common Rice have also been issued in case of procurement of Fortified Rice Stocks, of which 1 per cent FRK should be blended with normal rice stock.
The state governments have been requested to ensure that wide publicity of the uniform specifications is made among the farmers to ensure that they get due price for their produce and any rejection of the stocks is completely avoided.
-CHK
