New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS): Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Sunday clarified that measures have been taken by the Centre to ensure seamless paddy and custom milled rice (CMR) procurement in Punjab.

The Union Minister said the target of 185 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) fixed for the Kharif marketing season would be fully procured and not a single grain of paddy would be left unprepared.

Pralhad Joshi also announced that an online portal for grievance redressal of rice millers would be launched so that any difficulties faced by the stakeholders could be addressed promptly.

In Punjab, the procurement of paddy officially commenced on October 1, with 2,700 designated mandis (markets), including temporary yards, to ensure smooth operations.

Due to heavy rainfall in September and higher moisture content in paddy, the harvesting and procurement were slightly delayed.

However, despite a late start, the state is on track now to achieve its target of procuring 185 LMT of paddy by November.

Till October 26, out of 54.5 LMT arrival in mandis, 50 LMT of paddy had been procured. Last year, out of 65.8 LMT arrivals, 61.5 LMT paddy had been procured by this date.

A total of 3,800 millers have applied for registration, out of which 3,250 millers have already been allotted the work by the Punjab government, said the Union Minister.

More millers are expected to register and be allotted the work in seven days.

With regard to the additional transportation charges incurred by the rice millers, he said the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has delegated power to the regional level to allow additional transportation charges in case vacant space is not available in the designated depot beyond a waiting period of 15 days.

The necessary customisation has been made in the procurement portal. This issue has already been resolved to the satisfaction of the millers, he added.