The availability of rice in Andhra Pradesh is set to go up next month.
Nellore fine rice is expected to reach the market in August, increasing the general availability of rice.
Ms Minnie Mathew, State Chief Secretary, informed the Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, of this development at a high-level review meeting on price control here on Saturday.
Except in the case of super fine rice and Bengal gram, the rates of dals, vegetables and oils were either stable or showing a slightly decreasing trend compared to the previous week, she said.
Help farmers
The Chief Minister directed the civil supplies department to coordinate with rice millers and to ensure better availability of fine rice stock in Rythu Bazaars at reasonable rates.
Reviewing the rainfall situation amid a delayed monsoon, Mr Reddy asked his ministers to take alternative measures to mitigate the problems of farmers, drinking water scarcity etc.
The officials said delay in the monsoons had occurred even in previous years and that the IMD was forecasting good rains in the coming days. Inflows into the Tungabhadra and Godavari had just started, the officials told the Chief Minister.
Bio-diversity Meet
The Chief Secretary said in the meeting that Rs125 crore has been released for the beautification of Hyderabad City in time for the ensuing International Bio-Diversity Conference to be held in October.
The conference is expected to see around 8,000 delegates from 193 countries.
The Chief Minister directed the officials to speed up work on the proposed COP-II plaque, Museum, Park and the possibility of establishment of a world class aquarium promised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, according to a press release.
nagsridhu@thehindu.co.in