>
Title: Need to increase the Minimum Support Price for paddy and include Kerala in the National Food Security Mission.
SHRI M.B. RAJESH (PALAKKAD): The Central Government has declared the MSP for Paddy at the rate of Rs. 1050 per quintal. In Kerala the State Government is processing paddy at the rate of Rs.1200 per quintal. Considering the present cost of cultivation and the need to enhance food security the enhancement of Rs 50 per quintal by Government of India is quiet insufficient. Hence, the MSP for paddy has to be increased to Rs 1600 per quintal for A- Grade and Rs. 1550 per quintal for common grade paddy. In addition to this, the traditional red varieties of Kerala ( Champa, Matt, Pokkali, Uma etc) have to be classified as A-Grade varieties as these are relatively richer in nutrient value. A hike in the MSP of the Paddy may act as an incentive for the farmers to produce more and this will help in enhancing the food security. Presently, the financial assistance received by Kerala under National Food Security Mission is inadequate. This has to be increased substantially. Hence, I urge upon the Government of India to increase the MSP for Paddy and include the entire State under the National Food Security Mission.