Govt to purchase ragi directly from growers for PDS distribution : Minister Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 22, 2017:  The Food Department would be purchasing ragi from growers from December  end onwards with the objective of ensuring that growers got good price for Ragi, said State Minister for Food and Public Distribution U T Khader.

 

Addressing press persons at Circuit House, he said the above decision was taken after consultations with the Agriculture Minister  under the due guidance of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The ragi thus procured would be distributed through PDS at along with rice at places where there is demand for the same. Ration card holders would be entitled to 2 kg  ragi at such places, he added.

The minister said Ragi would be purchased from growers at the rate of Rs 2,300 ( including Rs 1900 from Centre and Rs 400 from state).  Presently the market price of ragi is Rs 1500, he said adding the move aims at   avoiding the menace of middlemen.

Already  tor dal is purchased by the government directly at the rate of Rs 6000 per quintal and sold through PDS. He informed that the Centre has permitted even the purchase of jowar in a similar way.