A mismatch in the data between rice procured by the private sector and that exported has put the government on the trail of hoarders of the food grain, whose prices have shown an uptrend lately.
Only 10-12 companies have informed the Food Ministry about their rice procurement.
"The total private procurement declared by these firms comes to about 11 lakh tonnes only," a source said.
"How can it be that only 11 lakh tonnes have been purchased in the private sector when the country exported rice much more than that," the source said.
Rice exports were allowed till March 31, when the government decided to ban overseas sale of non-basmati varieties of rice.
The food grain is selling in the range of Rs 15 to Rs 20 a kg in the retail market, up from Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg last year.
Last year, the Centre made it mandatory for the private sector to inform it if their rice procurement exceeded 25,000 tonnes at any time in the season and had asked them to file returns on a monthly basis till September 2008.
The Order, issued by the Food Ministry, also made filing of declaration compulsory with State government if any trader or private company buys over 10,000 tonnes of rice in the entire season.
The returns are to be filed every month in a State where they purchase the maximum grain.
