Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lalkantha announced that a Cabinet proposal to import 70,000 metric tonnes of rice would be submitted to the Cabinet next week as a solution to the ongoing rice crisis.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (22) at the Ministry of Agriculture, the Minister explained that the proposal, jointly prepared by the Agriculture and Trade Ministries aims to import Nadu rice under the first phase of the initiative.
He elaborated on the current market challenges, stating, “There is a shortage of Nadu rice in the market, along with price issues. While the required quantity of Nadu rice has been produced, it has not reached the market. Therefore, we are compelled to import rice, primarily from India. We will ensure this process does not harm farmers or consumers and middlemen will not be allowed to exploit consumers.
“We have no issue with large-scale rice mill owners. If rice production is sufficient, stocks should be with the mill owners. Our decision is driven by the need to protect both consumers and farmers. This measure will ensure sufficient rice is available for the upcoming festive season. Consumers will have access to rice at the government-declared price without any shortages,” the Minister added. Acknowledging the temporary nature of the solution, he said, “We do not have a permanent answer to the rice issue yet. Importing 70,000 metric tonnes of rice is a temporary measure to address the current market situation. With the ongoing Maha season harvesting, we are optimistic about a good Nadu yield.”