Title: Requested the Food Minister to intervene and take appropriate steps to save the farmers in Assam from selling rice at a lower price.
SHRI TARUN GOGOI (KALIABOR): Mr.Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Government of India about the distress sale of rice in Assam. It is a good sign that Assam has attained self-sufficiency in rice. But it is not a good sign for the farmers. Due to bumper crop, farmers have to sell their rice at a throwaway price. Though the Assam Government has promised to procure rice through the Assam Agriculture Marketing Board, they have not been able to procure rice. The State Government has also assured a price of Rs.600 per quintal but it is only on paper. The FCI has also not intervened in this regard. It is the duty of the FCI also to see that farmers are not forced to sell rice at a distress price.
I, therefore, request the Food Minister, through you, to intervene in the matter and take appropriate measures so that the farmers are not forced to sell rice at a distress price.
