Vijayawada hosts general body meet of FAIRMA
The Federation of All India Rice Millers Association (FAIRMA) held its annual meeting in Vijayawada, addressing challenges like price control and smuggling. Minister Nadendla Manohar emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting millers and addressing ₹41,150 crore in arrears from the previous administration. He announced a reduction in market cess on rice from 2% to 1% and assured continued financial support to farmers and millers. Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu pledged to raise the industry’s concerns at the Union level. For more details, visit The Hindu.
Vijayawada: The Federation of All India Rice Millers Association (FAIRMA) held its annual general body meeting in Vijayawada, with former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu and civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar in attendance. The meeting focused on major industry challenges, including price control, smuggling prevention, and dues to farmers.Minister Nadendla Manohar urged the millers to support govt’s efforts in curbing rice smuggling. He highlighted the recent reduction in market cess on rice millers from 2% to 1%, a measure discussed at the price control ministers’ meeting to benefit the industry. The rice millers expressed their commitment to fighting smuggling and agreed to pass a resolution in support of this initiative.Acknowledging the rice millers’ contributions to rural employment, Manohar emphasised that the coalition govt aims to address their concerns. “This govt is dedicated to fair practices and we will ensure that all stakeholders benefit,” he said.He also addressed challenges in the civil supplies department, citing arrears of ₹41,150 crores left by the previous administration. With the approval of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, the govt already cleared ₹1,674 crore in dues to farmers and plans to pay an additional ₹200 crore to millers soon.
The govt aims to create a transparent process by establishing a committee comprising farmers, millers, and state representatives, focusing on quality rice supply. Manohar reassured the millers, promising continued support and urging them to refrain from engaging in illegal activities related to PDS rice distribution.Venkaiah Naidu said that he was very happy that rice millers remembered his support to the industry. He assured that he will bring the issues faced by rice millers to the notice of the Union govt.