Mizoram to import rice from Myanmar

Mizoram would import rice from Myanmar to ensure supply of the foodstuff during the 'mega block' beginning from October due to widening of railroad between Lumding and Badarpur in Assam, state Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister John Rotluangliana said here today.
Rotluangliana said the widening of the railroad was proposed to be completed by March 2015 but might be delayed.
The 'mega block' from October 1 would have severe impact on food supplies in Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and southern parts of Assam as all foodstuff have to be lifted by trucks.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has made arrangements to import rice from neighbouring Myanmar.

Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India Limited had floated a tender on September 8 for import of one lakh quintal of rice from Myanmar, said Andrew H Vanlaldika, Joint Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
The rice from Myanmar would be imported via Zokhawthar in bordering Champhai district and would be sent to Aizawl, Lunglei and Lawngtlai districts, he added.

The godown of state trade and commerce department, having a capacity of 8,000 quintals, was being prepared for stocking the rice.
Officials said Food Corporation of India has lifted an average 77,200 quintal of rice in a month while an average 40,500 quintal were lifted by road.

Ensuring non-disrupted flow of foodstuff by trucks in the national highways would be most important, they added.