Kerala - Kochi   

Long-term contract for Andhra rice soon

KOCHI: An agreement has been reached with Andhra Pradesh to bring in more rice to counter the shortage here, said a release issued by the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco).

High-level officials of both the States met at the Supplyco headquarters here on Wednesday in continuation of the discussions held at Hyderabad on December 17. Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Corporation managing director and vice-chairman I.S. Sreenaresh, general manager Ramabrahmam, Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation managing director Yogesh Gupta, general manager A.T. James and Consumerfed managing director Rigi G. Nair attended the meeting.

It was almost decided at the meeting to procure rice and other provisions from Andhra Pradesh and supply to Kerala on a regular basis. The Andhra officials also agreed to consider providing Jaya rice to Kerala after reducing the levy, the release said.

Rice is available at present for distribution to those below poverty line at the rate of Rs.3. Also, rice is available at Rs.8.90 through the Food Corporation of India to cardholders above the poverty line.

The price of rice could be controlled in central and northern parts of the State as Bodhana rice, which is popular there, was made available at reduced price, the release said.

The availability of Jaya rice, which is cultivated as Rabi crop in Eastern Godavari district, is less even in Andhra Pradesh. Supplyco officials are hoping that price can be controlled once the harvesting of ‘Jaya’ rice begins by January end. Jaya rice costs Rs.18 in the retail market at Andhra Pradesh now. Jaya rice costs almost the same in the Thiruvananthapuram region, where it is popular.

Even in this circumstance, Supplyco is making available various boiled rice at Rs.14 and raw rice at Rs.13.50 for consumers, the release said.

A special team will soon leave for Andhra Pradesh to inspect the quality of material at procurement centres and negotiate prices. Teams will also visit procurement centres for Jaya rice in Eastern Godavari district.

Agreement has also been reached on a long-term contract to bring in rice from Andhra Pradesh to Kerala without break. The contract will be signed between the governments.

A scheme will be framed in such a manner to control the price of rice during fluctuations in the open market during every season. Attempts are being made to evolve a system that is spread over the year, instead of bringing in rice after issuing temporary indent.

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