Question : Unused Sugar and Foodgrain

(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?

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.
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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 31st August, 1998. No new sugar mill has been set up in the State of Uttar Pradesh after 2014, till date.
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