Punjab: FCI agrees to again test fortified rice samples

Three months after rice shellers in Punjab went on a strike against the rejection of samples of fortified rice exceeding the prescribed nutritional value, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has ordered retesting of the stocks and pointed out “variations in results of micronutrients from lab to lab”.

More than 1,000 stacks of fortified rice from millers in Punjab were rejected last year. Directions issued by FCI on Friday said stocks of fortified rice detected to be having levels of micronutrients higher than the prescribed limit during 10% mandatory testing and various other inspections was lying in FCI godowns for a considerable time now. The retesting process will be completed in a month and results would be convened to the FCI headquarters for further action.

Millers in the state had proceeded on a strike on October 13 to protest the rejection of their fortified rice kernels (FRK)-blended rice given to FCI and refused to accept the procured paddy for its shelling. Samples of fortified rice kernels of 44 millers taken by the FCI had failed thrice.

During the strike by millers, grain markers in states were choked when paddy arrivals peaked by lifting by the millers had come to a halt. Following this, the Centre had agreed to review the protocols with provision of joint testing, including that by the millers.

Welcoming the move, Punjab Rice Industry Association vice-president Ranjit Singh Jossan said it had been a demand by the millers that the issue be resolved, so that millers could resume operations.

He added the decision had come after several representations and meetings with the Centre.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.