Andhra Pradesh state Government will directly procure rice from millers to meet its requirements for Public Distribution System, Midday Meal and other similar schemes to ensure food security. The decision has been taken in line with the centre’s nod for the plan to decentralise rice procurement.
Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas at a meeting with Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy last evening has approved a proposal of the state Government to procure rice directly through its Civil Supplies Corporation.
Later Chief Minister’s office in a release said initially about 15 lakh metric tonnes will be procured from seven districts on pilot basis. This will start from next month. The state Government will require annually about 40 lakh metric tonnes for its one rupee kilo rice, Mid Day meal and other schemes.