Rice Mills Association of Uttarakhand Meets with Minister Rekha Arya to Address Ongoing Issues

Dehradun, September 29, 2024: The Uttarakhand Rice Mills Association held a meeting with Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya at the Food and Civil Supplies Department office in Dehradun. The meeting, which took place on September 29, 2024, was aimed at addressing key concerns faced by the rice millers in the state, particularly in relation to operations for the upcoming 2024-25 procurement season.

During the meeting, Minister Arya engaged in a cordial discussion with representatives of the association, listening to the various issues that the millers have been facing. Among the topics discussed were the challenges encountered by rice millers during the 2023-24 procurement season, despite assurances and instructions from the district administration to address their grievances

The Rice Mills Association has notified all its members about the government’s request to start processing paddy purchased from government procurement centers for the 2024-25 season, keeping in mind the interests of farmers and the broader agricultural community.

Association representatives highlighted that these issues arise every year, yet the administration often claims that the millers do not bring them up in time. However, the association clarified that they had begun raising their concerns with the authorities as early as March 2024. They further warned that if these issues are not resolved before the 2025-26 procurement season, the millers might not be able to participate in the paddy procurement process.

In light of these challenges, the association has requested the government to extend the deadline for the 2024-25 rice millers’ registration, which is currently set for September 30, 2024. The millers are in the process of completing the necessary paperwork and financial requirements, including the preparation of Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs), to ensure smooth registration.