(a) the policy regarding procurement of foodgrains along with the system in place for implementing the policy indicating the number of procurement centres opened during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;
(b) the number of items for which Minimum Support Price (MSP) is declared and the quantum of various items procured during the said period, Grain-wise; and
(c) the steps taken to expand storage and make proper arrangements for storage of procured foodgrains?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)
(a): The Central Government extends price support to paddy, coarse grains and wheat through the FCI and State Agencies. All the foodgrains conforming to the prescribed specifications offered for sale at specified centers are bought by the public procurement agencies at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The producers have the option to sell their produce to FCI/State Agencies at MSP or in the open market as is advantageous to them. Foodgrains procured by the State Governments and their agencies are ultimately taken over by the FCI for distribution throughout the country. Details of procurement centres opened for foodgrain procurement is at Annexure- I & II.
(b): Details of items for which Minimum Support Price (MSP) is declared and the quantum of various items procured during the said period, Grain-wise is at Annexure-III and IV.
(c): To augment storage capacities, a scheme called Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme is being implemented. A capacity of about 200 Lakh MT has been approved for construction of godowns through Public Private Partnership across 20 states. As on 31st October,2014 a capacity of 120.67 lakh MTs has been completed. Godowns are also being constructed by using Plan funds for creating a capacity of 3,68,950, MT with a financial outlay of Rs.530 crores during 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17).