(a) whether complaints have been received by the Government regarding large scale
procurement by the Food Corporation of India from middlemen instead of farmers at its procurement centres in the country including Bihar;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the remedial steps taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) and (b): Food Corporation of India (FCI) undertakes the procurement operations either
by itself or through State Government agencies directly from the farmers on production of
relevant documents/certificate as specified by the respective State Governments to avoid any
intervention by middlemen. Moreover, payment is also released to the farmers only through
cheque.
In Kharif Marketing Season 2008-09, the Secretary (Food), Government of Bihar has instructed
all the State agencies as well as FCI to implement ‘farmers identity card’ to ensure purchase
from genuine farmers only.
The FCI in Bihar has also conveyed instructions to the field staff to ensure that purchases are
made strictly from the genuine farmers without any involvement of middlemen/traders.
(c): A complaint from Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal dated 3.10.2009 has been received and has been sent
to State Government and FCI for enquiry. Complaints received in this regard are forwarded
to State Government/FCI for enquiry and immediate action.