Odisha Food Minister’s Concern Over Amendment To Essential Commodities Act

Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies Minister Ranendra Pratp Swain has said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will take a call on the Centre’s decision to exclude grains, oil, pulses, potatoes and onions from the Essential Commodities Act.

Reacting to the Centre’s decision, Swain said agriculture and farmers are state issues and the Odisha government has been stressing on protection of the interest of farmers as well as consumers.

Though Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday claimed that the amendment to the Act will ensure the farmer’s freedom to export or store these commodities to ensure good returns, Swain said it would benefit the corporate houses at the cost of the farmers. Besides, the state government will no more have control over the prices of the essential items.