Lok Sabha Question No. 4333 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-28
Subject: Unused Sugar and Foodgrain
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: REKHA ARUN VERMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4333

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th  MARCH, 2017

## UNUSED SUGAR AND FOODGRAIN

## 4333. SHRIMATI REKHA VERMA:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of sugar and other foodgrains lying unused in the godowns of  the  Food  Corporation  of  India  as  on  date,  item  and  State-wise  and  the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  put  stock  limit  on  the  sugar mills and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  impose  ban  on  the  import  of sugar and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether sugar  is  not  reaching  the  targeted  consumers  through  the Public Distribution System (PDS), if so, the details thereof and the remedial measures taken in this regard;
- (e) whether the owners of sugar mills have still not made payment for sugarcanes to the farmers and if so, whether the Government has prepared any  action-plan  to  ensure  the  timely  payment  to  the  sugarcane  growing farmers by the sugar mills; and
- (f) the  number  of  new  sugar  mills  approved  in  Uttar  Pradesh  from  the year 2014, till date?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) Consequent upon de-regulation of sugar sector and introduction of a new system of distribution of sugar through PDS, FCI has stopped dealing in sugar since May, 2013.

The  wheat  &  rice  stocks  do  not  remain  unused  in  FCI,  as  inflow  and outflow of foodgrains from FCI godowns is a continuous process.     Stocks of wheat & rice, which are more than two years old are not maintained by FCI, except those earmarked for undertaking various studies.

- (b): Presently, no such proposal is under consideration of the Government.
- (c): No Madam.

(d):- Sugar is distributed under Public Distribution System (PDS) by the State Govts.  /UTs.  The  Central  Government  has  not  received  any  complaint regarding non-availability of sugar through PDS to the targeted consumers.

- (e): As on 28.02.2017, an amount of Rs. 12269.78 crores are outstanding against the sugar mills as sugarcane dues of farmers for the sugar season 2016-17, 2015-16, 2014-15 and earlier sugar seasons.  The  Sugarcane (Control)  Order,  1966  stipulates  payment  of  cane  price  within  14  days  of supply, failing which interest at the rate of 15% per annum on amount due for the delayed period beyond 14 days is payable. The powers for enforcing this provision are delegated and vested with the State Governments/UT Administrations who have necessary field formations. The Central Government from time to time is advising State Governments at appropriate level to take strict action against defaulting mills.
- (f): Government has de-licensed the sugar industry with effect from 31 st August,  1998.  No  new  sugar  mill  has  been  set  up  in  the  State  of  Uttar Pradesh after 2014, till date.

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