Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/SS)

Udupi, Oct 7: The Centre has approved the extension of distribution of boiled rice that is cultivated in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts under the public distribution system for the second year in succession.

The boiled rice varieties such as M04, KJ, Jaya, Jyothi, Panchamukha, Sahyadri, Uma and Abhilash that are grown by farmers in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts have been approved for distribution under the PDS in the coastal districts after procuring it by paying the minimum support price.

Citizens of the coastal districts have been pressuring the people's representatives of the area to extend the distribution of boiled rice under the PDS.

A proposal to this effect was placed by Social Welfare Minister Kota Srinivasa Poojary and initiative taken by union minister Shobha Karandlaje to impress upon the Centre to extend the distribution of boiled rice under the PDS for the second year in succession.

Union minister of state for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje had even dashed off a letter to Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal to approve the extension of distribution of boiled rice under the PDS.

The Centre has acceded to the request made by the union minister Shobha Karandlaje and allowed the state government to distribute boiled rice under the PDS.