In the wake of rice millers' reluctance to procure paddy from farmers directly for this Kharif season, Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas on Saturday convened a meeting with representatives of farmers, rice millers and Kisan Cell members at the Gandhi Bhavan, to find solutions to the issue.
Talking to media persons later, DS revealed that the PCC would appoint a committee with representatives from farmers, rice millers and members of the Kisan Cell by October 23 to study the issues on paddy procurement. The recommendations by the committee would be submitted to the CM.
DS said the government would look into the rice millers' problems and take a favorable decision.
He said the committee would also study the quantity of foodgrains stored in the warehouses. He also urged to Centre to cooperate with the State government in allotting space for storing grains in warehouses.
The PCC chief stated that the rice millers felt it would be better for the government to procure paddy from the farmers directly and give it to millers for milling.
As per government norms, the millers are bound to set aside 75% of the produce procured from the farmers as levy. Out of the remaining 25%, 2/3rds shall be sold within the State, while 1/3rd of the produce is allowed for exports.