Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi today met Ministers and representatives from various states in New Delhi to discuss food security concerns. In a series of social media post, Mr Joshi said that he met Kerala’s Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Anoop Jacob to discuss key issues concerning food security, the Public Distribution System, consumer affairs and legal metrology in the State. They deliberated on paddy procurement and related matters, along with measures to strengthen the Public Distribution System and consumer protection. During the meeting, Mr Joshi urged Kerala Government to adopt the rightful beneficiary targeting methodology followed by other States to ensure that food support reaches only genuine and eligible beneficiaries. He assured that the issues raised will be examined in accordance with the existing policy framework.

The Consumer Affairs Minister also met Karnataka’s Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, K. H. Muniyappa and discussed matters related to the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department. Discussions were held regarding the grants under the previous year’s MSP scheme.

Earlier in the day, Mr Joshi met a delegation led by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to discuss Telangana’s paddy procurement requirements. The delegation highlighted the State’s rising production and sought consideration for enhancing the procurement target to ensure better support for farmers. It also expressed appreciation for the Centre’s consistent support to Telangana through timely policy interventions and procurement-related decisions over the years. The Union Minister has asked the Department to examine the proposal in detail and assess its feasibility in accordance with the prevailing guidelines.