Centre's food policy flayed

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, OCT. 16. The Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Mr. E. Chandrasekharan Nair, today warned that the Central Government's policy would lead to a food scarcity in the country.

Inaugurating the World Food Day celebrations here, he said the slashing of food subsidy had resulted in reduced offtake and piling up of stocks. He said the situation would affect procurement of foodgrains and result in heavy loss for farmers.

The Minister said the heavy input costs and slashing of subsidies on fertilisers had turned agriculture into an unviable proposition. ``While foodgrain production has improved significantly, it is a fact that deprivation exists in the country. Production and distribution of foodgrains have to be matched to ensure access to food,'' he said.

Mr. Nair said the purchasing power of the people was an important factor in the food distribution policy. He said procurement and subsidy had to be retained to ensure food security.

The Minister later distributed prizes to the students who topped the painting competition held in connection with the World Food Day celebrations.

Mr. B. Vijayakumar, MLA, presided over the function. The Agriculture Secretary, Mr. P.K. Mohanty, the Agriculture Production Commissioner, Mr. P.K. Sivanandan, the Animal Husbandry Director, Dr. G. Sudevan, the Dairy Development Director, Mr.P. Anand, and the Agriculture Director, Mr. L. Sundaresan, also spoke.

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Section  : Southern States
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