Punjab: HC asks Centre to clarify issues of rice storage, hybrid paddy testing protocols

Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday asked the Centre to submit its response regarding availability of storage space for rice and testing protocols for hybrid paddy varieties.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal directed Additional Solicitor-General of India, who represents the central government before the HC, to obtain necessary instructions and file a reply, specifically addressing two key issues, the availability of storage space for rice and testing of hybrid paddy varieties concerning their out-turn ratio.

The matter, which reached before the HC in the wake of a plea filed by Sunpreet Singh, has now been adjourned for further hearing on Oct 29.When the issue came up for hearing on Thursday, a report from the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) Punjab regional office was filed. It said that eight lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and rice had been transported out of Punjab in Oct, with an additional five LMT expected to be moved by the month-end.The court was also apprised that around 40 LMT of storage space for rice would likely be available by this Dec. It was stated that movement of rice is based on demand from consuming states under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes of the government.

“Punjab has been dispatching nearly all the available rice to consuming states for further distribution. Efforts are being made to ensure adequate storage space for rice in the coming months. The state had been requested to carry out necessary repairs in its available godowns,” the HC was informed.

This article has been republished from The Times of India