(a) whether the Government is planning to increase the rate for
processing of rice being paid to the mills that procure rice directly
from the farmers for processing; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue
therefrom indicating the present and proposed rate for processing
of rice?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD &
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b): Mills directly procuring paddy from the farmers are
required to deliver levy rice to the Central Pool as per the levy percentage
fixed by respective State Governments. Costing of the rice so delivered by
the mills includes rice milling charges. Though a study for revision in milling
charges was awarded to the Tariff Commission, the Commission could not reach
any conclusion for want of requisite information from States/millers. It has
therefore been decided to continue with the present milling charges of Rs. 15
per quintal for raw rice and Rs. 25 per quintal for parboiled rice including
transportation charges Rs.5/qtl. for transportation of paddy as well as rice
within 8 kms. distance from the mills.