Udupi: The Central Government has permitted the purchase of local boiled rice (kuchhalakki) and distribution under the ration system in the Coastal Districts of the State.
Last year, due to the delay in granting permission by the Central Government to buy and distribute local kucchalakki, it was not available. Kuchalakki was distributed from outside the State including Andhra Pradesh. Since the purchase has already been approved in the current year, the local kucchalakki may be distributed in more quantities. The harvesting process will begin this month. The State Government, Agriculture Department and District Administration should start paddy procurement centres at the earliest and provide proper information to the farmers.
There was a demand for local kucchalakki distribution for many years. Proposals too were submitted to the Government from both the Districts. The State Government had submitted it to the Centre. Union Agriculture Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who is also a local MP, had written to Union Minister Piyush Goyal in this regard, requesting him to approve the proposal. Accordingly, the Central Government has given permission.
