CM urges PM to lift ban on rice exports

Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh urging him to lift ban on exports of rice to facilitate procurement of foodgrains in the state and in order to provide space in warehouses for storage of grains.

Talking to media persons, the Chief Minister revealed that the Prime Minister reacted favourably and assured to look into the issues after discussing with officials concerned. 

He also urged the Prime Minister to provide 250 rakes for transportation of foodgrains in the warehouses through railways.

He urged the Prime Minister to provide paddy from state to Karnataka instead of supplying from Punjab, which facilitates space for storing grains in warehouses and for lifting grains from farmers.

Mr Rosaiah also urged Dr Singh to ensure supply of two lakh metric tons of urea in the Rabi season for the state.

Reacting on Opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu staging a dharna seeking PM’s appointment, the Chief Minister said Opposition party’s dharna was not improving the image of state.

He asked Mr Naidu, who has vast experience in political field, to behave in a dignified manner instead of resorting to cheap tricks before the visit of Prime minister to the state.

“The PM has busy schedule and has no time to meet any leader in the state,” he said and added “how can he give appointment to Opposition leader with such a busy schedule”.  

“If Naidu has any real commitment over farmers problems, he can meet PM in New Delhi and raise their problems”, he said.