Kerala will be receiving additional foodgrains and sugar from the center for coming Onam festival. During a meeting held to review PDS requirements in Kerala, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution K V Thomas conveyed this message to Chief Minister of Kerala.
The center has decided to make additional allocation of 59,000 MT of rice and 29,500 MT of wheat to Kerala for Onam festival at the minimum support price. The center has also made adhoc additional allocation of 84,978 MT of rice and 34,190 MT of wheat in the state. This additional allocation was done at below poverty line (BPL) price for BPL families.
Besides, allocation of 5,000 tons of rice and wheat at BPL or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) prices can be considered for the two poorest districts of Palakad and Wayanad in Kerala state. This allocation can only be taken under consideration provided the state completes the off-take and distribution of last year’s allocation.
Further, the center is also mulling the request of Kerala government for additional allocation of sugar for Onam festival.