AP to allow rice exports

Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has decided to permit export of boiled rice outside the state without any conditions.

At a review meeting held on Wednesday, the chief minister also decided to permit export of raw rice for two months with periodic monitoring of the price situation. As far as raw rice is concerned, there would be a review every 15 days to see the effects of permitting export of raw rice.

According to an official press release, the chief minister asked the officials to prepare details of the procurement plan and godown space required to ensure minimum support price for farmers. He would take up the issue with the Centre when he visits Delhi on Thursday.

Officials informed the chief minister that the total production of rice during 2010-11, both in rabi and kharif, was expected to be 14 million tonne, an increase of 3.2 million tonne over 2009-10. The Food Corporation of India and state agencies have opened a total of 1,187 purchase centres and 1,10,620 tonne rice has been purchased.