Abdul Malek, acting president of Bengal Rice Mills Association, has written to chief minister Mamata Banerjee urging her for a meeting to discuss several issues regarding rice milling and the agricultural industry.
“Our state is the largest producer of paddy with an average production of 2,600 kg per hectare and rice being the principal agricultural crop. Rice millers in our state are involved in the procurement of around 55 lakh metric of paddy which enables the implementation of the two most successful schemes of your government, Khadya Sathi & Duare Ration. I would like to draw your kind attention towards the following issues for your immediate intervention & resolution,” Malek stated in his letter.
The seven issues stated by the association are related to pollution control, high power tariff, demand for solar energy services, etc.
In his letter, he also mentioned that controlling pollution in rice mills has become very challenging, particularly in the handling of ash. The association seeks the expertise of IIT, NIT, Jadavpur University, and IIEST, through government intervention to develop technology to convert into a value-added product.
In addition to that, Malek also requested to bring the tariff of WBSEDCL power at par with DVC as the electricity tariff of WBSEDCL is high which has increased the utility cost, eventually making the industry lose its competitive edge.
The imposition of a 20% export duty on raw rice has badly affected the fortunes of aromatic rice (Gobindobhog) farming. Malek has also requested the chief minister to take up this issue with the central government for an early resolution.