Plastic Bags to make up for Shortage of Packing Material for Food Grains

10-Apr-20

The Central government of India has to procure rabi paddy, the target for which was 41 million tons from kharif and about 7 million tons from rabi season.

The GOI is learnt to have asked all states to immediately place orders for plastic bags for packaging of grains, as wheat procurement will start from April 15 and a record 40 million tonne procurement target has been set by all states combined for this year.

The textile ministry had earlier expressed concerns over likely shortage of jute bags for grains. Preparations are continuing to procure both jute and plastic bags in adequate quantity.

The textiles ministry on 7th increased the limit for high-density polyethylene or polypropylene (HDPE/PP) to 2,62,000 bales from the earlier 1,80,000 bales to facilitate its immediate purchase by government agencies involved in procurement in sufficient quantity. The Center may further relax the norm for more use of plastic bags once procurement starts, sources said.

Source: Financial Express