CAF&PD to procure local paddy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 29 2013: Confiding that a new policy of procuring locally grown paddies and selling the same at subsidised rates to the public would be implemented soon, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Moirang-them Okendro emphasised the need for protecting agricultural land.

Chatting with The Sangai Express at his office chamber today, Minister Okendro explained that the new policy of local paddy procurement from the State farmers is a model practised in some other States.

Hinting that ensuring availability of the favoured local rice varieties to all the people in the immediate future would be a tough challenge for the Department, he however exuded confidence that atleast some section of the public would be able to enjoy their meals with the local delicacy as the price would be affordable for the common people also.

He said construction of godowns to store the local paddy is underway as the new policy is planned for implementation after the harvest season this year.

The Minister pointed out that currently procurement of rice for distribution to families under the AAY, BPL and APL categories stands at 7887 metric tonnes.

To a specific poser on whether the Minister expects that the local rice produced will meet the demand, he admitted that it would remain a tall task until effective policy to protect existing food crop plantation sites are preserved.

With regard to agriculture land policy, Minister Okendra revealed that all the Deputy commissioners have been advised to submit a detailed report about size of land used for both agricultural as well as non-agricultural purposes, within three months.

Based on the report of the DCs an Act to effectively check use of agricultural land for setting up industries such as brick fields, and educational institutions would be implemented, said the Minister.

On ensuring PDS items reach the deserving section of the society, Okendro said along with ongoing efforts for 'door-to-door' delivery of essential food items the PDS mechanism would be closely monitored and complaints from the masses solicited through computerisation of the delivery system.

Pointing out that CAF&PD departments in many States have been converted into corporations as a part of the process to streamline the PDS system, he however stated that in Manipur's case the Central Government has been urged to provide some more time to initiate relevant measures.

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