Assam minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs Rihon Daimary on August 17 claimed that there is no possibility of a food crisis or shortage of essential commodities in the state on account of the ongoing floods and severing of the rail link to the rest of the country.
There is sufficient stock of essential commodities for at least 10-15 days, the minister said.
Daimary on Thursday held a review meeting on essential commodities. The meeting was attended by government officials, and representatives of Kamrup Chamber of Commerce (KCC), Food Corporation of India (FCI), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and other bodies.
Briefing the minister, KCC representatives assured that there will be no shortage of essential commodities during next 10-15 days.
They said that wholesale traders have potato stocks for at least 15 days and in addition 5,000 packets of onions are also present in Guwahati. Another 5,000 packets of onions will reach the city within two-three days. FCI officials said that the corporation has sufficient stock of rice for at least two months and wheat for one month in its godowns.
IOC representatives told the minister that kerosene, diesel and petrol stock are available in adequate quantity and there will be no shortage of LPG cylinders for at least 8-10 days.
Daimary directed all departments and other stakeholders to ensure that unscrupulous elements do not resort to hoarding or profiteering by citing the floods and by creating an artificial scarcity.
He directed the Agriculture Marketing Board to ensure supply of onions and potatoes to consumers. Daimary directed that onions and potatoes at reasonable rates be sold by Amaar Dukans.
Daimary asked traders to sell potato at maximum price of Rs 15 per kg and onion at maximum Rs 34-35 per kg to consumers.
