Punjab Food Minister Urges for Storage Solutions amid Space Shortage Crisis

| | Chandigarh/New Delhi
  • 0

Punjab Food Minister Urges for Storage Solutions amid Space Shortage Crisis

Thursday, 29 August 2024 | PNS | Chandigarh/New Delhi

Punjab’s acute shortage of covered storage space for rice has reached a critical juncture. Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday urgently called for enhanced intervention by the Central Government to address this pressing issue. With only three to four lakh metric tonnes of rice having moved from the State over the past five months, the situation is dire as the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024 approaches.

 

In a crucial meeting on Wednesday, Minister Kataruchak discussed the situation with the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, and highlighted the severe shortage of space for receiving rice, exacerbated by the stagnant movement of rice from Punjab.

 

The onset of the Kharif season on October 1 will bring approximately 185-190 LMT of paddy, translating to an expected yield of 125-128 LMT of rice, which will only intensify the storage crunch.

 

Kataruchak emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent disruption during the procurement season. He requested the Union Minister to ensure that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) increases the movement of rice and wheat, proposing a minimum monthly transfer of 20 lakh metric tonnes via at least 25 rakes daily from covered godowns starting September 2024 through March 2025. This measure is crucial for accommodating the incoming rice and ensuring smooth procurement operations, he insisted.

 

Union Minister Joshi assured that the issue would be prioritized and resolved swiftly.

State Editions

11 killed in Hardoi road mishap

07 November 2024 | PNS | Lucknow

Yogi to inaugurate Akanksha Haat

07 November 2024 | PNS | Lucknow

Prashant Kumar likely to made permanent DGP

07 November 2024 | Preetam Srivastava | Lucknow

Mobility crisis is behind pollution in city: CSE

07 November 2024 | Staff Reporter | Delhi

Delhi’s air quality ‘very poor’, smog blankets city

07 November 2024 | Staff Reporter | Delhi

Sunday Edition

The comeback man

03 November 2024 | Gyaneshwar Dayal | Agenda

DINING REDEFINED! WYNN MACAU DEBUTS DRUNKEN FISH

03 November 2024 | RUPALI DEAN | Agenda

Oktoberfest on a Platter

03 November 2024 | Sharmila Chand | Agenda

Vegan Wonders: Where to Eat Next!

03 November 2024 | Team Agenda | Agenda

LIVING IT UP IN AN AIRBNB IN LONDON

03 November 2024 | AKANKSHA DEAN | Agenda

Srisailam: A journey to spiritual splendour

03 November 2024 | VISHESH SHUKLA | Agenda