CM rules out fine rice export

Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Wednesday assured that the state government will not push for the export of fine rice keeping in view the interests of the consumers and also reiterated his commitment to harness in the prices of essential commodities.

Talking to media persons at the state Secretariat, Mr Rosaiah made it that the millers must first empty their stocks in the godowns for accommodating fresh stocks. Attempts are being made in this direction, he said. The idea was to facilitate bringing down prices as also ease the situation in respect of godown space.

The pan boiled rice which is not much in consumption in AP will however be sent to other states, Mr Rosaiah pointed out.

He also categorically mentioned that during his meeting with the Prime Minister on the issue, Dr Manmohan Singh is understood to have told him that the AP rice output was not as rosy as in other rice producing states.

Asked to speak about the MFIs moving court, the Chief Minister refused to comments since it is subjudice. But referring to this, he said that the RBI sub-committee would be visiting Hyderabad this month for taking suggestions on MFIs from the state government.

Besides, Mr Rosaiah is also likely to meet Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee shortly to discuss the issue on MFIs.

Further, the Chief Minister took exception to allegations made by the TDP which had attributed some shady favouritism to Rahul Gandhi over MFIs.

Clarifying on this Mr Rosaiah stated that Rahul Gandhi has been showing devotion in the rural development and that the opposition also should welcome these initiatives.

He dismissed TDP allegation saying what if the officials of MFIs had a meeting with Mr Gandhi.

Asked about the alleged Cong MP from Guntur Rayapati Sambashiva Rao’s blame game, the Chief Minister said that the party will look into it.