Measures to control rice price

At present the rice mill owners have to sell rice only through agro produces markets.

A delegation of rice mill owners, on Thursday, met Chief Minister Yeddyurappa and Food and Civil Supplies minister Hartal Halappa and demanded that the government bring in an amendment to the APMC Act so that rice could be sold directly to the public. It is said that the CM has responded positively to the demand.

Hartal Halappa, speaking to press persons later, said rice mill owners were of the opinion that they could sell rice between Rs 16 and 20 per kg. Even good quality Sona Masuri rice could be sold at Rs 26 per kg, if the amendment was brought into effect.

Tur prices

The rising price of tur dal has forced the government to rethink on the quantity of tur dal provided with the mid-day meal for children. Minister Halappa said that the government is seriously contemplating replacing 50 per cent of the tur supplied in the meal, with other lentils with equal nutritional value. “Shortage of tur dal will always be there, but we are thinking of replacing the tur with other lentils,” he said. The Minister also blamed the decrease of sowing areas for tur for the shortage and claimed that the entire nation was facing a shortage.