K’taka to buy red parboiled rice for PDS supply in DK, Udupi, Uttara Kannada

BENGALURU: The state government has decided to supply red parboiled rice through the public distribution system in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, after procuring it locally, Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Kota Shrinivas Poojari announced on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, the minister said the demand had been a long-pending one and could not be implemented for various reasons. The demand for red parboiled rice is about 13 lakh quintals, but it is estimated that only about 8.5 lakh quintals can be procured from the region. Red parboiled rice will not be available through the year locally and hence, the rest will be sourced from other districts, he said.

From December 1, procurement centres will be opened in the three districts and supply through PDS will start from January 1, 2023, the minister said. The Centre and state together have been purchasing Jaya, Abhilasha Jyothi and MO4 varieties of paddy at a support price of Rs 2,040 per quintal.

A family performs Bhumi Hunnime rituals on their paddy field recently.

“Since red parboiled rice is not available in adequate quantities, the state government will add another Rs 500 per quintal as procurement price. I have already held a meeting with the Food and Civil Supplies and the Agriculture Departments regarding this”, he said.

The minister also said that in the light of recent developments, officials have been directed to take precautionary measures in girls’ hostels run by the Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare Departments.

Regarding martial arts classes for self defence, he said the department needs additional funds of Rs 18 crore for purchase of uniforms. Already, Rs 176 crore which was due towards uniforms procured for girls who are learning karate has been cleared. So far, post-matric girl students were being enrolled for the Obavva self-defence classes. From this year, girl students from Class 6 are being taught karate for which more funds are required, he noted.