Lok Sabha Question No. 2118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-07-31
Subject: Foodgrains Preservation/Storage
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: B.V. NAYAK, S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2118 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 ST  JULY, 2018

## FOODGRAINS PRESERVATION/STORAGE

2118.

SHRI B.V. NAIK:

SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

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

- (a) whether the Government plans to introduce state-of-the-art technology in  foodgrains  preservation  and  protection,  distribution  and  supply  to  the poorest  people  in  rural/remote  areas  of  the  country  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) the  methods  adopted  by  the  Government  to  minimise  wastage  of foodgrains, pulses and other food items due to poor storage facilities, lack of technology, rotting and destruction by pests and rats etc.; and
- (c) the funds allocated to Karnataka for strengthening and development of  the  Central  godowns  for  CWC  and  FCI  as  well  as  the  godowns  of State/private sector for the last three financial years?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a)  Yes  Madam,  Government  is  deploying  latest  scientific  technology  in foodgrain preservation and distribution of foodgrain through Public Distribution System (PDS).
- (i) As a part of modernization of storage facilities mechanized steel silos with  bulk  handling  facilities  are  ensuring  better  preservation  of foodgrains thereby enhancing its shelf life. Foodgrains stored in silos are  transported  in  bulk,  reduce  losses  due  to  theft  and  pilferage.  A capacity of 6.25 lakh tonnes silos has been created as on 30.06.2018.
- (ii) To bring all operations of FCI godowns online, to check leakage and automate operations  at  the  depot  level,  'Depot  Online'  system  has
- been launched, which is operational at 530 depots as on 16.07.2018.
- (iii) As a pilot project, 35 computerized rice analyzers have been installed in 08 procuring regions thereby enhancing transparency in food grain procurement and to minimize human error.

- (iv) With a view to improve efficiency in Public Distribution System and address problem like leakages and bogus ration cards, the National Food  Security  Act  (NFSA)  beneficiaries'  database  and  ration  cards have been completely digitized in all States/ Union Territories (UTs).
- (v) Transparency portal  and  online  grievance  redressal  facility/Toll-free number have been implemented in 30 States/ UTs.
- (vi) Online allocation has been implemented in 30 States/UTs and supply chain has been computerized in 21 States/UTs.
- (vii) More than 3.33 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) have been automated so far across the country.
- (b)  Steps  taken  by  the  government  for  safe  storage  to  avoid  damage  are annexed.
- (c): No  funds  are  allocated  by  the  Union  Government  to  Karnataka  for strengthening and development of Central godowns for Central Warehousing Corporation  (CWC)  and  Food  Corporation  of  India  (FCI)  as  well  as  the godowns of State/private sector. FCI & CWC carry out regular maintenance work in their godowns using own funds. Funds allocated by FCI and CWC for strengthening and development of godowns in Karnataka are as under:

Figures in Rs. Lakhs

| Year    |   FCI |     CWC |
|---------|-------|---------|
| 2015-16 |  1055 | 1236.86 |
| 2016-17 |   880 |  732.23 |
| 2017-18 |   756 |  715.91 |

Ministry  of  Agriculture  through  Agricultural  Marketing  Infrastructure (AMI)  sub  scheme  of  Integrated  Scheme  for  Agricultural  Marketing  (ISAM) promotes  creation  of  scientific  storage  capacity  for  storing  farm  produce, processed  farm  produce  and  agricultural  inputs  etc.  across  the  country including rural/remote areas to reduce post harvest and handling losses.

Since inception (01.04.2001) of the scheme, a subsidy of Rs. 18601.19 Lakh  has  been  released  to  Karnataka  state  for  storage  infrastructure projects up to 31.03.2018.

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## ANNEXURE

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2118 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31 ST  JULY, 2018 IN LOK SABHA.

## STEPS TAKEN TO AVOID DAMAGE OF FOODGRAINS IN STORAGE ARE AS UNDER:

- (i) Foodgrains  are  stored  in  scientifically  constructed  godowns.  Some  foodgrains  are stored for short periods in CAP storage in peak procurement season.
- (ii) Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene sheets are used to check migration of moisture from the floor to foodgrains.
- (iii) Prophylactic  (spraying  of  insecticides)  and  curative  treatments  (fumigation)  are carried out regularly and fumigation covers, nylon ropes, nets etc. are provided for control of insects & pests in all godowns.
- (iv) Regular  periodic  inspections  of  stocks/godowns  are  undertaken  by  qualified  and trained staff.
- (v) The principle of 'First in First Out' (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible so as to avoid storage of foodgrains of older vintage in godowns.
- (vi) Only  covered  rail  wagons  are  used  for  movement  of  foodgrains  so  as  to  avoid damage during transit.
- (vii) Damage Monitoring Cells have been set up at District, Regional and Zonal levels to regularly monitor quality of stocks and reduce damages.

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