New Delhi: For the first time, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under Ministry of Consumer Afffairs, Food and Public Distribution, issued uniform specifications for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) for grade A and Common Rice.
In case of procurement of Fortified Rice Stocks, 1% of FRK (w/w) should now be blended with normal rice stock.
The department issued the uniform specifications of food grains for Central Pool procurement for the ensuing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21. These specifications as per standard practice have been issued in respect of Paddy, Rice and other coarse grains namely Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi. These specifications also include standards of rice for issue to States and Union Territories for distribution under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes based on the uniform specifications of rice for KMS 2020-21.
The Centre has also requested State Governments to ensure that wide publicity of the Uniform Specifications among the farmers so that they get due price for their produce and any rejection of the stocks is completely avoided.
It has further advised all States, Union Territories and Food Corporation of India that the procurement during KMS 2020-21 may be strictly in accordance with the uniform specifications.
It may be mentioned that in order to protect and promote interest of farmers, Government of India has preponed, Kharif Procurement Period from September 26, 2020 in respect of Haryana and Punjab and for rest of the country from September 28, 2020. The Food Corporation of India and States Procurement Agencies have been directed to ensure hassle free procurement and Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments to farmers.
– global bihari bureau
