Govt will urge Centre to withdraw ban on rice import: Minister

Kannur, Apr 1 (UNI) Kerala Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran today said the state Government would urge the Centre to withdraw the ban on import of rice.

Talking to reporters here, he pointed out that the Centre should take necessary steps to check the price hike of rice by procuring and distributing it at reasonable price, instead of banning its import.

Pointing out that the MPs from the state had already urged the Centre in writing, he said they would again pressurise the Centre in this regard.

Stating that about 1,200 tones of rice was being exported from the state, he said the decision of the Centre would be a setback both to farmers and traders.

UNI AK GKT RL DS1647