(a) whether some State Governments particularly Andhra Pradesh have requested the Union
Government to increase the rice procurement target of Food Corporation of India in the States
from the current 50% to 75%;
(b) if so, the details in this regard, State-wise; and
(c) the response of the Union Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The Government of Andhra Pradesh has requested for an increase in the percentage of levy
rice from the existing 50% to 75%. The State Government of Punjab had requested for an increase
from 75% to 100%.
(c): The proposal of the State Governments have been examined in the Ministry. In view of
the drought condition in the State of Andhra Pradesh, the State Government has been permitted an
adhoc increase of 3 lakh tonnes of levy rice during the current Kharif Marketing Season 2002-03,
beyond the existing 50% levy percentage.
The proposal of the State Government of Punjab has not been agreed to in view of the
adequate availability of stocks of rice with the Central Pool.