Stick to order on free movement of Rice, Lok Satta tells Govt.

The Lok Satta Party today demanded that the State Government honor its GO No. 58 of December 4, 2010 under which it permitted free movement of fine varieties of paddy and rice outside the State to ensure a remunerative price to the farmer. It also wanted the Government to facilitate overseas marketing of boiled rice and BPT rice.

Talking to media, party leaders G. Raja Reddy, and V. Vijayender Reddy said that the State Government had failed to fulfill its assurances to farmers on paddy purchases. Because of Government’s failure to go to their rescue, farmers have been selling paddy at Rs.400 less than the minimum support price per quintal.

They demanded that the Government buy up to 50 percent of discolored paddy by relaxing norms up to 13 percent, open purchase centers at the rate of one per mandal, and facilitate bank loans against produce.

The Lok Satta leaders welcomed the state government’s move to revive the Krishna Third Phase drinking water supply scheme for the benefit of Hyderabad. The Lok Satta Party has made it plain that the Krishna water supply scheme can be executed at a faster pace and less cost than the Godavari water scheme.