M’kotla DC assures rice millers, arhtiyas of adequate storage of procured paddy

Malerkotla Deputy Commissioner Dr Pallavi and SSP Gagan Ajit Singh today held a meeting with rice millers and commission agents regarding procurement and storage of paddy.

A delegation of rice millers and commission agents led by Kewal Jindal, president, Rice Sheller Association, and Tarsem Singh Bhudan of Arhtiya Union, urged the administration to take proactive measures to handle paddy glut during peak season.

They sought adequate supply of jute bags, uninterrupted power supply, availability of vehicles for lifting and proper storage space.

Justifying concern of the rice millers and commission agents, the DC said rank and file in various departments had been cautioned against laxity in the procurement process.

“We have already taken up the issue of stressed situation of space available with the Food Corporation of India for accommodating paddy. Officials concerned have been asked to stay connected with the Indian Railways for arranging special freight trains,” said Pallavi.

The authorities said more than five lakh metric tonnes of paddy was expected to arrive at 46 grain markets of the district. The SSP said proactive measures had been taken for the safety of all stakeholders during the procurement season at grain markets. Night patrolling would be enhanced at mandis and roads connecting purchase centres, he said.