Bhubaneswar: The Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra stated on Thursday that all District Collectors have been instructed to assess the extent of crop damage and to determine which paddy will be accepted for purchase.
Speaking to the media, Minister Patra emphasised that there can be no complete compromise on the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards.
“These standards are set by the central government, and if the crops do not meet these standards, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will not accept them, which could lead to further damage. At the district level, the District Collectors will decide how much flexibility can be provided and which paddy will be accepted for purchase,” stated Minister Patra.
He further added that the District Collectors will be guided on how much relaxation can be given, with a goal to purchase as much paddy as possible from the farmers.
“However, fully damaged paddy will not be accepted. The District Collectors will make the final decision on this,” the Minister concluded.
