HYDERABAD: The Centre has assured the state of a decision soon on construction of 8.17 lakh tonne godown space, increase in the commission payable to IKP groups on paddy procurement and enhancement of custom milling charges by the Food Corporation.
This assurance was given by Union minister of state for consumer affairs KV Thomas at a meet he held with chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy here on Thursday. Reddy sought synchronisation of labour component of cultivation with MGNREGS, an increase in paddy support price and declaration of bonus for paddy.
They also discussed godown space, procurement and export of rice and supply of adequate number of railway rakes. Reddy informed Thomas that 25 lakh tonne of additional godown space was being created 12 to 15 months and suggested that FCI may be permitted to hire private godowns to help farmers in view of urgent need for godowns.
He sought construction of godown space for 8.17 lakh tonne, to which Thomas said the Centre would consider the request. Reddy said Railways has been requested to make available 240 rakes per month for movement of rice by FCI. He also urged Centre to see that hamilis strike in Kerala and TN ended.