Lok Sabha Question No. 210 (STARRED), answered on 2021-08-03
Subject: Damaged Foodgrains
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: D.K. Suresh, Sumalatha Ambareesh

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

LOK SABHA STARRED  QUESTION NO.2{ O

TO BE ANSWERED  ON 3RD AUGUST, 2O2{

## DAMAGED FOODGRAINS

## *2IO.  SHRI D.K. SURESH:

## SHRIMATI SUMALATHA AMBAREESH:

Wilt the Minister of GONSUMER AFFAIRS' FOOD AND PUBLIG DISTRIBUTIoN Tctirfaf arri, ur<-+ 3ik Trdafu Fittur d* be pleased  to state:

- (a) whether huge quantity  of foodgrains  is damaged in various godowns of Food Gorporation of lndia (FGl);
- (b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years, State'wisel
- (c) the estimated loss incurred due to damaged  foodgrains;  and
- (d)  whether the Government has taken steps to prevent such loss of foodgrains  in FGI and if so, the details in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF GOMMERGE & INDUSTRY, GONSUMERAFFAIRS,  FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION  AND TEXTILES (sHRr PTYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (d): A statement  is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (d) OF THE STARRED OUESTIO]{ T{O.  *2{O  DUE FOR ANSWER ON O3.O8.2O2{ IN THE LOK SABHA.

- (a): No Sir.
- (b): Does not arise in view of the (a) above.
- (c):  The foodgrains  procured  for Gentral Pool Stocks are stored in covered godowns and Gover & Plinth (GAP) storage. The foodgrains are stored as per prescribed procedure/guidelines  of Food Gorporation of lndia  (FGl). But  a meagre quantity of foodgrains may get damaged/become non-issuable  during storage due to transit damage  viz enroute damage in wagon/truck, contamination,  wagon roof leakage  and natural calamities  like cyclone/flood etc. During the year 2O2O'21 a guantity of {85O Tonnes foodgrains have been damaged in godowns of FGI which is  O.OO3% of total foodgrains quantity handled and its estimated value is Rs. 2.57crore
- (d): Steps taken by the Government  to Prevent  damage of foodgrains are enclosed at Annexure.

ANNEXURE REFIERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. ":2IO  DUE FOR ANSWER  ON 03.O8.2O2{ IN LOK SABHA.

## STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERI{MENT  FOR SAFE STORAGE OF PROCURED FOOI'GRAINS  TO PREVENT  DAMAGE:

## A. Periodical nnaintenance  of scientific storage structure.

Dedicated Engineering wing of  FG! is  carrying out periodical maintenance  of all storage structures.

- a) ldentifying & repairing of al! the leakage points in the roof.
- b) Gleaning of drainages in the godown premises ensured.
- c) Ensuring  that no seepage inside the godowns  so that no clogging up of water.
- d) Ensuring all the repairing works are attended  on priority before the onset of monsoon  season,

## B. Gapacity burilding for additional modern  storage structure.

Steel Silo bins are being constructed  as a measure of modern capacity building which ensures better preservation  of foodgrains and enhances its shelf life.

- G. Scientific  sttorage and preservation  of stocks.
2. (i) Foodgrains are stored by adopting proper scientific code of storage practices.
3. (ii) Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden  cratesr bamboo mats, pollrthene  sheets are used to check migration of moisture from the floor to the foodgrains.
4. (iii)  Fumigation  covens, nylon ropes, nets and insecticides  for control of stored grain insect  pests are provided in all the godowns.
5. (iv)  Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation) are carried out regularly and timely in godowns for the control of stored grain insect pests.
6. (v) Effective rat control measuresr both in covered godowns as well as in Govered and Plinth (CAP) storage are used.

.......2t-

- (vi)  Regular periodic inspections  of the stocks/godownsare undertaken by qualified  and trained staff and senior officers. The health of the foodgrains is monitored at regular intervats  by a system of checks and super checks at different  levels. Following  Ghecks and Super checks are conducted in the godowns by FGI to ensure proPer preservation of foodgrains  in the storage.
- a) Fortnightly inspection of stocks on { OOo/o basis by Technical Assistant.
- b) Monthly inspection by Manager(QG)
- c) Quaderly inspection by AGM(aC)
- d) Super Ghecks by Regional' Zonal and FGI Hqrs Squads.
- (vii) The principle of  rFirst  in First Out" (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible  so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns. Besides stocks lying at vulnerable  plinths and procured  under relaxed specifications are issued on overriding  priority to avoid any damage to stocks in storage.
- (viii) Only covered  rail wagons are used for movement of foodgrains so as to avoid damage during transit.
- (ix) While movement PolXthene Sheets are spread on the floor of railway wagons to retrieve the spilled-over  grains to avoid contamination to stocks.
- (x) Damage Monitoring Gells have been set up at Districtr Regional and Zonal tevels to regularly monitor quality of stocks and reduce damages.  Each case of damage is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary  action, wherever required,  is invariably taken against the delinquents.
- (xi) lmmediate action to  segregate  &  recondition of the stocks whenever it gets affected.