Bhubaneswar, 26 December (H.S.): The Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra on Thursday announced that all District Collectors have been directed to evaluate the extent of crop damage and determine which paddy will be accepted for purchase.

Speaking to the media, Minister Patra stressed that there can be no compromise on the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards.

“These standards are set by the central government, and if the crops do not meet these criteria, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will not accept them, potentially leading to further losses. At the district level, the District Collectors will decide how much flexibility can be offered and which paddy will be accepted for purchase,” Minister Patra stated.

He added that District Collectors will receive guidance on the extent of relaxation that can be provided, with the aim of purchasing as much paddy as possible from farmers.

“However, fully damaged paddy will not be accepted. The final decision on this matter will rest with the District Collectors,” the Minister concluded.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda