‘Lay emphasis on storage of food grains, essential items’ Says Phani Bhusan Choudhury

Staff Correspondent

Dibrugarh: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumers Forum Minister, Phani Bhusan Choudhury, during a review meeting with the officials of his departments and local traders association at circuit house here on April 16 had asked officials of his department and district administration to put emphasis on storage of food grains and other essential items to avoid crisis at least for one month in the district. Chowdhury further asked the concerned authority that if any crisis arises for rice in the district, Civil Supply Department or Food Corporation of India for its early resumption should be contacted. The minister also took stock of the storage of essential items like rice, sugar, pulses, etc. in the district and hope that no one will suffer due to shortage of such items during nationwide lockdown .

The district administration , apprised the minister that free distribution of rice was completed among 87 percent beneficiaries in the district under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojona.

The Agriculture Minister Atul Bora who also graced the meeting reviewed the prevailing status of farmers of the district and disclosed that the government had already released Rs 2,000 and Rs 2500 under Pradhan Mantri Kishan Sanman Nidhi and Mukhya Mantri Krishi Sa-Sojuli Scheme respectively so that the poor farmers would not suffer during lockdown period. Bora further stated that the Agriculture Department, in order to help farmers have initiated steps to deliver door to door supply of vegetable seeds.

Dibrugarh District Administration informed the minister that 10,000 kg of broiler chickens and 7 lakh 1 thousand 235 kgs locally produced vegetables were distributed in the district through home delivery system till date. Bora also reviewed the Veterinary Department and asked its officials to ensure regular supply of cattle and animal food in the district during lockdown period.

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