Centre increases support price for paddy by Rs 50

Patna, Aug 30 (UNI) The Union government has decided to increase the support price on purchase of paddy by Rs 50 per quintal.

Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supply Akhilesh Singh told newsmen here that earlier, the support price was enhanced by Rs ten per quintal annually but this time, the Centre had decided to pay additional bonus of Rs 40 and with this, the minimum support price would be Rs 650 per quintal for paddy in the current season.

The Minister said the minimum support price for wheat too would be enhanced but he declined to disclose the rate.

He hoped for a tremendous boost in sugar production and export of sugar abroad.

Mr Singh lambasted the Nitish government, saying it failed to distribute the cards under the centrally sponsored Antyodaya scheme to the people living Below the Poverty Line.

UNI RS PP PK DB2123