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Work was in progress for establishing a food research institute on a 100-acre plot at Konni in Pathanamthitta district.

Thiruvananthapuram , June 12

THE Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation will consider procuring paddy directly from the farmers, if required, from next year.

The Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Mr Adoor Prakash, said here on Sunday that the procurement would be done through the corporation's collection centres by paying the maximum price to the farmers.

As many as 4,000 farmers had already registered themselves with the corporation for the purpose, he added.

The Minister said that 22 new "Sabari" super markets, 10 "Maveli" stores and three "Sabari" medical stores, totalling 35 outlets, would be opened within July 31.

As of now, the corporation is running a total of 1,033 stores all over the State.

Besides, it is operating 20 mobile Maveli stores, 20 super markets, 10 petrol pumps, four LPG outlets and 45 medical stores.

Mr Prakash said that work was in progress for establishing a food research institute on a 100-acre plot at Konni in Pathanamthitta district.

The governing council for the institute, which is being set up with central assistance, has already been formed.

The corporation introduced 14 items of curry powder in newly designed packets in the market in May this year.

It has now initiated steps to set up three regional packing centres at Malappuram, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta.

Further, 63 taluk supply offices and six city rationing offices will be fully computerised during the current year.

Towards this, an amount of Rs 7.5 crore has been allocated in the year's budget.

The Minister said that free ration was given to more than 3.78 lakh families, which were affected by tsunami.

The Government received 1,571 applications for new ration cards from those who lost them and all of them were given new cards right at the relief camps.

The corporation recorded a sales turnover of Rs 555 crore in 2004-05 and made an operating profit of Rs 18 crore.

It has accumulated losses since 1974 to the tune of Rs 459 crore.

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Civil Supplies may procure paddy directly from Kerala farmers

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