FCI TO PROCURE BAJRA IN RAJASTHAN

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The Food Corporation of India (FCI) will participate in the procurement operations of Bajra in the ensuing Kharif Marketing Season 2003-04. This decision was taken at a meeting chaired here today by Shri Sharad Yadav, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution which was attended by officers of the Ministry, FCI and the Food Secretary, Government of Rajasthan.

Owing to a bumper crop of Bajra in Rajasthan this year, with an anticipated production of 30 lakh tonnes, the market prices of bajra may fall much below the announced MSP of Rs 505/- per quintal. The Government of India have, therefore, decided to participate in the procurement process of Bajra in the interest of farmers who should not have to resort to distress sale of their produce.

Initially 50 Procurement Centres are to be opened in the State, 25 by the FCI and 25 by the State Agencies, RAJFED and RSWC. The State Agencies will be operating as sub-agents of the FCI. It is anticipated that procurement of approximately 2 lakh tonnes will be undertaken by these Agencies.

As per existing Policy, the procurement of coarse grains under Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations are ordinarily undertaken by the State Governments to whom the costs incurred are reimbursed. The Government of Rajasthan had approached the Government of India for assistance being unable to put in place necessary financial and administrative arrangements for the procurement of coarse grains in the State.