Three Central teams to visit T.N. following request to relax norms on paddy procurement

Following a request from the Tamil Nadu government to relax the permissible moisture content for paddy procurements in view of heavy rains, the Union government has deputed three teams of officials to assess the factual position by drawing paddy samples from affected districts.

The samples are to be analysed in laboratories of the Food Corporation of India in Tamil Nadu and a consolidated report along with the recommendations of the joint teams is to be sent to the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution for further action.

The Tamil Nadu government had earlier this week requested the Union government for increasing the permissible moisture content for paddy procurement from 17% to 22%, in view of the heavy rains received in various parts of the State.