Central Team Reviews Fortified Rice Distribution, Paddy Procurement, and FCI Storage Operations
Published on: July 15, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A two-member inspection team from the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, visited the aspirational district of Rajnandgaon to assess the implementation of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other key food-related schemes. The delegation included Mr. Rakesh Kumar Meena, Director, and Mr. Shiv Kumar, Budget Section Officer of the Ministry.
As part of the visit, the team conducted field inspections of the MotiPur government fair price shop operated by a local women’s self-help group, a paddy procurement center under the Bhanupari Cooperative Society, and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) depot located at Raipur Naka.
During their visit to the MotiPur fair price shop, the officials interacted with beneficiaries regarding the availability, quality, and timely distribution of food grains, particularly fortified rice. Beneficiary Mrs. Laxmi Yadav expressed satisfaction with the services provided under the various government schemes. The inspecting team emphasized the importance of continuous shop monitoring and greater public awareness about the nutritional benefits of fortified rice, which has been distributed across all PDS outlets in India since August 1, 2024. Fortified rice contains iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—key nutrients in the fight against malnutrition.
At the Bhanupari paddy procurement center, the officials reviewed operational efficiency and interacted with registered farmers. Farmers reported timely payments at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and appreciated the mobile app-based token system introduced to streamline paddy sales. One farmer shared that 735 quintals of paddy were sold under the registered area of 35 acres.
The inspection continued at the FCI depot in Raipur Naka, where officials evaluated warehouse capacity and the quality of stored rice. As part of the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign, the visiting team planted a sapling within the FCI premises.
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Overall, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the implementation of food distribution and procurement schemes in the district. The visit highlighted transparency, timely service delivery, and alignment with the government’s mission to ensure food security and nutritional well-being.
Present during the inspection were Food Officer Mr. Ravindra Soni, FCI Regional Manager Mr. Ashok Reddy, Quality Managers Mr. Naresh Kotlwar and Mr. Surendra Rahgadle, and other departmental staff.
