Question : ASSISTANCE FOR STORAGE

(a) whether the Union Government has made any provision for assistance to the States for storage of foodgrains;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the assistance including financial support provided, the manner in which the same was utilised and the storage capacity augmented during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has received any offer of assistance/help from other countries for creation of modernised and scientific storage space and safe storage of foodgrains, and if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;

(d) whether there is any proposal to convert the existing godowns into smart complexes with automatic system for maintenance of optimum temperature, humidity and vacuum conditions; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

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

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 490 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 30TH APRIL, 2013 IN THE LOK SABHA

(a) & (b): The Government provides funds under the Plan Scheme for creation of storage capacity especially for the North Eastern States and other difficult areas where private investment may not be forthcoming. These funds are released to FCI as equity infusion. The expenditure and the state-wise capacity augmented in the last three years under the Plan Scheme is shown at Annex-I.

Further to augment covered storage capacity for foodgrains , the Government is implementing the Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme through private entrepreneurs, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs). The FCI guarantees to hire godowns constructed under this scheme for a period of ten years, thereby, ensuring for the investor, a fair return on his investment. Under the PEG Scheme, the capacity augmented in the last three years is 69.92 lakh MT. In the year 2012-13 a capacity of 42 lakh MT has been created. Details of capacity augmented state-wise through the PEG Scheme in the last three years is at Annex-II.

The Government is also implementing the Rural Godown Scheme (RGS) for creation of Scientific Storage Capacity with allied facilities in rural areas to meet requirements of farmers for storage of farm produce, processed farm produce and agricultural inputs. The funds released as subsidy and the capacity augmented in the last three years is at Annex-III. Further under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) being implemented by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) assistance at concessional rates of interest can be availed by the States for supporting creation of warehousing infrastructure including creation of storage capacity for foodgrains.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): Does not arise.