The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has, today, issued uniform specifications for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) for grade A and common rice have in case of procurement of Fortified Rice Stocks, of which one per cent of FRK (w/w) should be blended with normal rice stock.
The department issued the uniform specifications of foodgrains for Central pool procurement for the ensuing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21. These specifications as per standard practice have been issued in respect of paddy, rice and other coarse grains namely jowar, bajra, maize and ragi. These specifications also include standards of rice for the issue to states and union territories (UTs) for distribution under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and other welfare schemes based on the uniform specifications of rice for KMS 2020-21.
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The Government of India has urged the state governments to ensure that wide publicity of the uniform specifications is made among the farmers to ensure that they get a due price for their produce and any rejection of the stocks is completely avoided.
The Centre has advised all states, union territories and Food Corporation of India (FCI) that the procurement during KMS 2020-21 may be strictly in accordance with the uniform specifications. It may be pertinent to mention that in order to protect and promote the interest of farmers, Government of India has preponed, Kharif Procurement Period from September 26, 2020 in respect of Haryana and Punjab and for the rest of the country from September 28, 2020.
The Food Corporation of India and state procurement agencies have been directed to ensure hassle-free procurement and minimum support price (MSP) payments to farmers.