Food ministry to take actions against those stocking excess rice
In a letter on Tuesday, the ministry also requested the authorities concerned to ensure that no one can sells food grains without a license
The food ministry is set to launch a campaign to prevent rice millers from stocking excess rice that can have a negative impact on the country's rice market.
In a letter on Tuesday, the ministry expressed concerns over excess stocks of food grains and directed the authorities concerned to increase monitoring across the country so that rice mill owners cannot stock excessive amount of rice.
The letter was addressed to Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Food Department officials, and Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection officials.
In the letter, the ministry requested the district magistrates and Consumer Rights Authority to regularly monitor the issue across the country and directed them to continue to conduct mobile courts.
The ministry also requested the authorities concerned to ensure that no one can sell food grains without a licence.
The letter also mentioned how long importers, wholesalers, and retailers are permitted to stock paddy, rice, and wheat.
According to the government policy, a rice mill's stock of rice must not exceed three times the quantity it can process in 15 days while processing for eight hours per day.
The amount of the processed rice can be stored for a maximum of 30 days and the ministry will take actions against those storing for more than 30 days.
