Rice Millers in Chhattisgarh Seek Central Govt. Intervention Amid Ongoing Challenges

Rice millers from Chhattisgarh are seeking intervention from central govt. and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help them retrieve money in return of the custom milling works undertaken to help the government. More than 3,000 millers from Chhattisgarh are involved in milling the paddy purchased from farmers at the support price and converting it into rice suitable for distribution to the public. Rice obtained through such process is later delivered to ration card holders under the PDS system.

Millers have been complaining about the negligence of orders by govt. bodies on this matter which is now affecting millers both emotionally and financially. Lalit Agarwal, representative of Rice Millers Association and partner of Bal Gopal Industries demanded a fair action by govt. as the harsh and insensitive approach of the government may result in the closure of approx. 500 rice mills in the state.

Lalit Agarwal, highlighted on the insensitive approach of the govt. in which the govt. is demanding 67 kg of rice from 100 kg of paddy, while the actual production is not more than 50-55 kg. To meet the remaining 12 kg shortage, millers are forced buy rice or paddy from the market using their own capital.

To overcome this Rice Millers of Chhattisgarh approached the President of India by writing an emotional letter. Delay of payment is now forcing millers to sell their rice mill while some have reached at the stage of suicidal thoughts. Rice millers are now seeking a favorable action by the govt. of India and the central govt.