New Delhi, Sept 21 (KNN) The government has issued the uniform specifications of food grains for Central Pool procurement  to ensure hassle-free procurement and Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments to farmers.

For the first time, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has issued uniform specifications for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) for grade A & Common Rice have in case of procurement of Fortified Rice Stocks, of which 1% of FRK (w/w) should be blended with normal rice stock, an official statement said.

The department issued the uniform specifications of food grains for Central Pool procurement for the ensuing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21. These specifications as per standard practice have been issued in respect of Paddy, Rice and other coarse grains namely Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi.

These specifications also include standards of rice for the issue to States/UTs for distribution under TPDS and Other Welfare Schemes based on the uniform specifications of rice for KMS 2020-21.

The State Governments are requested to ensure that wide publicity of the Uniform Specifications are made among the farmers to ensure that they get a due price for their produce and any rejection of the stocks is completely avoided.

All States/Union Territories and Food Corporation of India have been advised that the procurement during KMS 2020-21 may be strictly in accordance with the uniform specifications.

It may be pertinent to mention that in order to protect and promote the interest of farmers, the Government of India has pre-poned, Kharif Procurement Period from September 26, 2020 in respect of Haryana and Punjab and for the rest of the country from September 28, 2020.

The Food Corporation of India and States Procurement Agencies have been directed to ensure hassle-free procurement and Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments to farmers.