Karnataka has failed the rice samples sent by Punjab. Let us tell you that about 2 weeks ago, the rice samples sent to Arunachal Pradesh were found to be bad. It is being told that the rice samples sent to Karnataka are of low grade which are not fit for consumption. Teams sent by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution had taken 26 samples of fortified rice from storage depots and ration shops in Hubli (Karnataka). Out of these, four samples have been found to be below standard. The ministry had asked to replace these rice. 7,304 bags (3,568.837 quintals) were sent from Nabha to Hubli while 2,995 sacks (1,484.929 quintals) were sent from Bhogpur in Jalandhar district. Food Corporation of India (FCI) officials in Patiala and Jalandhar divisions have been informed about this and asked to replace the rice.
On the rejection of rice produced and procured in Punjab, farmer leaders say that samples of rice from Punjab were being deliberately rejected on the basis of quality even though it was sent to other states several months ago. They alleged that efforts were being made to create public opinion against the rice sent from Punjab because the Centre’s stock reserves are full. They said that it seems that the Centre wants to bring corporates into paddy procurement. It is possible that in the next season, corporates may offer rates lower than MSP but farmers will go to them instead of spending nights in the mandis. Sheller owners fear that due to the rejection of rice samples, FCI will stop the movement of paddy from Punjab until the quality of all rice from the state is checked.