Lok Satta party demands reconstitution of FCI

Vijayawada, Oct 26 (UNI) The Lok Satta Party founder and National Coordinator Jayaprakash today demanded the Centre reconstitute the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and revoke restrictions on agriculture sector.

Talking to newspersons here, he alleged that the FCI was steeped in corruption and inefficiency.

The FCI's handling cost per quintal was Rs 750, which was more than the Minimum Support Price (MSP), he said, adding decentralisation of FCI could bring down the handling price to Rs 250 per quintal.

He said 60 per cent of farmers and laborers in agriculture sector were getting only 16 per cent of income compared with other sectors.

Mr Narayan said Market Yard Committees in rural areas should be filled with elected bodies instead of appointments of politicians.

He urged the Centre to give training to farmers on food processing and support prices to their produces.

Starting the functioning of private milk factories in the state resulted in closure of many co-operative milk units, he said, adding the dairy farmers in the Chittor district, in particular, incurred a loss of Rs 50 lakh this year.

The party had constituted a 23-member committee headed by Former Member of Planning Commission and National Advisory Council Member Ch Hanumatha Rao to chalkout a comprehensive plan for agricultural sector, Mr Narayan said.

He demanded the Centre to review the National Exploration Licence Policy (NELP) to strengthen gas supply to fertilisers and farmers on resonable rates.

Replying to a question, he said his party wanted to bring in prohibition and reduce the number of licenced liquor shops from 6,500 to 600.

The party would conduct orgnisational elections in January 2008 from village level to state level through a secret ballot, he added.

UNI