Centre to relax quality norms for procurement of wheat

The Centre has asked Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh Governments to test samples of wheat jointly with FCI immediately on its arrival so that appropriate relaxation in quality norms can be considered for the procurement.

During current Rabi season, quality norms for the procurement of wheat, which has lost its shine, have already been relaxed in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. After testing the samples in Madhya Pradesh, shrinked and broken grains have been allowed upto 10 percent.

In view of interests of farmers, the Government relaxes the norms for foodgrains procurement time to time. Norms were relaxed for procurement of Rice in Faylene and Hud Hud affected area also.

Procurement quality norms are decided every year on the recommendations of a committee of experts which include Food Secretaries of States. If quality of wheat is affected due to unseasonal rains or any other reason, relaxation in the norms is considered on the recommendations of states after testing samples of wheat on its arrival.

As per Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 relaxation in norms is allowed in the case of broken and shrinked grains and if grains have lost shine. According to the Act grains having more than 14 percent moisture cannot stored and procured.

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