Hike in milling charges demanded

Hike in milling charges demanded
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Highlights

With the changing equations in the procurement the millers are seeking enhancement of milling and other charges. According to the norms, upon accepting stocks from the civil supplies department, the millers start the process of milling and will supply 67 per cent of produce back to the department. 

Kakinada: The introduction of custom milling of rice has changed the face of the paddy procurement in the State. Millers, who used to dictate terms to the Civil Supplies, Food Corporation of India (FCI) and farmers doesn’t have much say in the procurement as the Civil Supplies department purchases paddy from farmers through SHGs, PACS bodies and its own outlets, under the new system.

With the changing equations in the procurement the millers are seeking enhancement of milling and other charges. According to the norms, upon accepting stocks from the civil supplies department, the millers start the process of milling and will supply 67 per cent of produce back to the department.

The millers will also retain residue like rice bran, husk and others apart from collecting Rs 12 per quintal towards milling charges.

However, in the wake of changes, the millers are demanding Rs 25 per quintal towards milling charges, apart from supplying only 66 per cent of milled paddy.

It should be noted that in 2015-16 kharif season, out of 12.70 lakh mt of paddy supplied, millers supplied 67 per cent of the produce as per the norms.

Speaking to The Hans India, East Godavari Rice Industry Association president, Ambati Ramakrishna Reddy said that they gave a representation to the government seeking enhancement of the milling charges from Rs 12 per quintal to Rs 25, as the price was not remunerative. “We also seek one percent hike in our share of milled produce from 33 to 34 per cent.

We will supply only 66 per cent of milled produce, as the Civil Supplies department is opting for more moisture content paddy than the permitted 13 per cent keeping in view the interests of farmers,” he added.

Commenting on the change in the stance of the millers, Senior CPM leader and president of AP Vyavasaya Karmika Sangam Dadala Subba Rao said that it was down to change in rice purchase policy. “Earlier, they used to dictate terms as they were the prime purchasers of paddy. It is not the case now,” he remarked.

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