Punjab: Center adopts two-pronged strategy on paddy storage

Punjab: The Centre today told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that a two-pronged strategy is being adopted to address the shortage of paddy storage in Punjab. Movement of excess foodgrains from the state has been planned. Besides, new storage capacity is being created on a priority basis. When the matter came up for hearing again, the bench was told that high-level meetings have already been held with the state government. Follow-up action is being taken on a priority basis to ensure adequate storage arrangements for custom milled rice. It was also said that a high-level committee headed by the Chairman and Managing Director of Food Corporation of India and officials of the Department of Food and Public Distribution is monitoring the movement of rice from Punjab on a weekly basis. The Centre also said that follow-up meetings are being held every Thursday. Taking note of the submissions, a bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Khetrapal disposed of the matter, saying it needs to be resolved amicably as it affects the entire state.