The inspection of Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) procured rice by international surveyors on its panel, instead of Minfa experts, is likely to create a new controversy over the quality of rice between the two organisations. Fears are being expressed in government circles that the decision taken by the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on a summary of Commerce Ministry would be instrumental in brewing a new scam against TCP.
Giving details, sources said that the TCP had contracted to purchase 500,000 tons (200,000 tons Super Basmati and 300,000 tons non-Basmati varieties of rice) through open tenders for export purpose in pursuance of ECC''s decision of December 30, 2008. The ECC had decided that the TCP would procure 500,000 tons of processed rice (200,000 tons Super Basmati and 300,000 tons non-Basmati varieties).
The ECC had prescribed quality inspection to be conducted by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Minfa) before allowing the contracted rice to be stored in TCP godowns. However, TCP''s top brass explained in the ECC meeting on July 28 that delay in quality inspection of rice prior to its storage was causing concern among successful bidders. It was also apprehended that delay in procurement would entail delay in exporting this rice, while the new crop would be due soon. It was clarified that Minfa had inspected 17,000 tons rice, of which only 5000 tons had passed the quality test. Various options to fast-track inspection of rice were considered. Recognising that time was important in procurement of rice for export, it was concluded that further delay on account of Minfa''s capacity was not affordable. TCP assured that it would not let its inspection mechanism compromise on quality.
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