Palakkadu: The introduction of ‘Bharat rice’ by the central government at an affordable price of Rs 29 per kilogram has marked its entry into the Kerala market, aimed at easing the burden on the common people. This development comes in stark contrast to Kerala’s own initiative, K-Rice, which was announced several years ago but remains unrealized.
The plan for K-Rice project included the establishment of the Kerala Rice Limited Company and the creation of rice technology parks in Kanjikode in Palakkad district, and Chengannur in Alappuzha district, to launch Kerala’s own branded rice. However the contract for the plant yet to be signed. Despite initiating construction of a building worth Rs 40 crore for the rice technology park in Kanjikode in 2019, the project encountered setbacks. Tenders were issued five times for the plant, warehouse, and other facilities, yet no contractors were secured, halting the project midway.
Similarly, construction began at the Prabhuram Mills premises in Chengannur for the rice park after obtaining administrative approval worth Rs 66.05 crore. However, the tender process for the plant has yet to commence here as well.
Meanwhile, the Bharat rice, released by the central government, has been made available for sale since yesterday, including through online platforms. The distribution responsibility lies with organizations such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), National Consumer Cooperative Federation (NCCF), and Kendriya Bhandar. Distribution in other districts in Kerala is set to commence from the next day.
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