State-Level Workshop Focuses on Modernising Rice Mills, Enhancing Quality Standards and Strengthening Storage Infrastructure
Raipur, May 27: The Chhattisgarh Government on Tuesday initiated preparations for the implementation of the Government of India’s new ‘Improved Rice Scheme’ by organizing a state-level workshop in Raipur, with a strong focus on modernization of rice mills, quality enhancement, and strengthening infrastructure ahead of the Kharif Marketing Year 2026-27.
The one-day workshop, held at the New Circuit House in Civil Lines, was chaired by Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department. Representatives from the Food Corporation of India, MARKFED, the Chhattisgarh Rice Mill Association, and rice millers from across the state participated in the deliberations.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Kangale said the Government of India is prioritizing the rollout of the ‘Improved Rice Scheme’ in the upcoming Kharif season and stressed that rice mills in Chhattisgarh would need technical upgradation to meet the prescribed standards under the new policy.
She assured millers that the issues and suggestions raised during the workshop would be examined seriously and suitable proposals would be forwarded to the Centre for consideration.
The workshop witnessed detailed discussions on quality parameters, storage systems, contract procedures, milling costs, and implementation mechanisms linked to the scheme. Officials also made a presentation outlining the prescribed standards, including the norms for 10 per cent raw broken rice and 5 per cent parboiled broken rice under the new framework.
Representatives of the Rice Mill Association raised several operational concerns during the interaction. They highlighted the need to promote improved paddy varieties in the state, expedite rake movement by the Food Corporation of India, and address rising milling costs. Millers also stressed the importance of strengthening technical and infrastructural facilities to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
Among those present at the workshop were Kanti Lal Bothra, General Secretary Vishnu Bindal, Treasurer Ramesh Agarwal, MARKFED Managing Director Jitendra Shukla, and FCI General Manager Deepak Sharma, along with senior officials of the Food Department and more than 60 rice mill representatives from across Chhattisgarh.
Participants expressed appreciation to the Food Department for conducting the workshop before implementation of the scheme and assured full cooperation in ensuring its successful rollout across the state.
