Minister Anoop Jacob writes to Andhra minister; Special squad in state to curb hoarding

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Food Minister Anoop Jacob wrote to Andhra Pradesh Food Minister Nandela Manohar, seeking action against mill owners in Andhra Pradesh hoarding paddy to create artificial price hikes in the Onam market in Kerala. The letter was sent to Andhra Pradesh Food Minister Nandela Manohar. This follows a news report published by Kerala Kaumudi on Thursday pointing out that millers and middlemen in Andhra Pradesh are colluding to increase rice prices in Kerala.

Inspections will be conducted at rice mills and wholesale marketing centres in Kerala. Special squads have been formed for this purpose. The minister instructed officials to take strong legal action if hoarding and price hikes for old stocks are found.

The district and taluk-level squads were formed under the leadership of district, taluk supply and city rationing officers and even revenue, legal metrology, food safety and police officials.

1. Minister Anoop Jacob said that 1,65,932 tonnes of rice have been delivered to Supplyco and public distribution centres ahead of Onam. A ration card holder can get up to 25 kg of rice from Supplyco at Rs 26 per kg

2. In addition, 10 kg each to blue and white cards and 3 kg each to pink cards are being provided at the same rate

3. The minister said that with so much rice available at such a low price, the price in the public market will gradually come down