The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : For value-addition in rice production

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Saturday, Aug 23, 2008
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For value-addition in rice production

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Rice millers have forecast a rice surplus this Onam but warn of an imminent scarcity.

The Kalady Rice Millers Consortium Private Limited, consisting of 39 members, pointed out that there was surplus rice stock in Ernakulam district.

N. P. Antony, Managing Director of the consortium, said that supply was active thanks to the several loads of rice coming in from Andhra Pradesh.

Stating that the demand for ‘matta’ rice would go up during the festival season, Mr. Antony said that the average price of one kg of matta variety was about Rs. 17.

Chances of a price rise during Onam were minimal. The average daily production in a unit under the consortium was nearly 40 tonnes, he said.

Explaining that production has been hit following the power cut imposed on industries, rice millers said that the situation might turn worse in the next two months.

They said that the government might go for a 75 per cent cut in the coming days in view of the worsening power scenario in the State.

Mr. Antony said that the availability of rice stocks would also go down after two months thanks to the shortage of paddy in the State.

He said that the supply from Andhra Pradesh would also fall after two months.

Seeking the support of the government in value addition of rice and paddy, the consortium has urged the planners to enhance technology and improve funding for such projects.

Mr. Antony said that farmers will benefit once the value added products find a good market.

He said that high labour cost and unremunerative prices for the produce have discouraged farmers from taking up paddy cultivation. The situation is bound to change if the products in the value chain get a higher price.

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