CM Asks For More Space For Grain

In view of the magnitude of the situation created by the lack of proper storage capacity in the godowns, adding to farmers' woes, the State government is planning to increase the warehousing space for storing food grains, under a revised scheme.

Speaking to media persons on Monday, Chief Minister K Rosaiah said that the government would present a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he arrives here on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of increasing the godown capacity in the State.

The government has an immediate task on hand to create storage space for the increased grain production, and this is being done on a war footing, Rosaiah said. The increase of warehouse space is a long-ranged and permanent program, he added.

Besides this, the State is planning for viable alternatives and rented space to stock the food grains. In view of the heavy output, the State has asked the South Central Railway to provide more rakes to lift the grains and for movement of stocks.

The SCR promised 7 rakes daily but it could not do so, the Chief Minister said, stating that he also discussed with FCI, Civil Supplies, Markfed and Agricultural Departments, the issue of accommodation of excess stocks of food grains.

As part of the program to meet the needs of the farmers, the State will set up paddy purchase centres to avoid distress sales.

Plus, with cooperation from the rice millers, the State is creating grounds to offer minimum support price to the farmers.

Rosaiah also said that the parboiled rice production has also gone up and that its consumption had been quite low. There is, however, a good scope for its exports he added.

Courtesy: INN