Initiative to Expedite Lifting of 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Rice; CM Vishnu Deo Sai Urges Centre to Ensure Adequate Railway Racks

Raipur, July 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday met Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi at Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi and urged him to facilitate the early lifting of 5 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Chhattisgarh and ensure the availability of adequate railway racks every month.

The Chief Minister said that timely transportation of rice would help speed up the evacuation process, create sufficient storage space in warehouses for the new crop and ensure that paddy procurement from farmers is carried out smoothly.

Chief Minister Sai informed the Union Minister that during the Kharif Marketing Season 2025-26, Chhattisgarh has been set a target of providing 73 lakh tonnes of rice for the Central Pool.

To ensure the timely lifting and transportation of the rice, he requested that the state be provided with at least 250 railway racks every month.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi responded positively to the Chief Minister’s request and assured him of the Centre’s necessary cooperation in facilitating the movement of rice.

Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Subodh Singh was also present during the meeting.