Question : STORAGE CAPACITY OF PRIVATE GODOWNS

(a) the details of the storage capacity of private godowns for foodgrains in the country, State-wise;

(b) the details of foodgrains, pulses, oilseeds stored in these godowns during the last three years, State-wise and yearwise;

(c) whether the Government has set any criterion in regard to storage of foodgrains, pulses, oilseeds in these godowns and releasing them to the market;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of the companies/firms involved in futures trading related to these godowns during each of the last three years, State-wise?

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): The statement showing the storage capacity of private godowns with FCI for storage of foodgrains as on 15-07-10 is at Annexure-I.

(b): The private godowns available with FCI are used for storage of foodgrains and sugar only. The details of foodgrains stored in private godowns hired by FCI during the last three years, State-wise and year wise is at Annexure-II.

(c) & (d) : Before storage of foodgrains in the godowns , it is ensured that they are storage worthy. The foodgrains are supplied under Public Distribution System (PDS)/Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)/Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) or Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) as per the allocations made. The principle of First In First Out (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible to avoid long storage of foodgrains in the godowns.

(e) : Does not arise.