(a) whether the Government have formulated a `National Storage Policy` with a view to give
infrastructure status to bulk handling of foodgrains;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether private parties are being encouraged to set up godowns under the scheme;
(d) if so, whether fiscal and other incentives are given to them to attract investment in
construction of godowns; and
(e) the total amount earmarked, sanctioned and spent under the scheme so far?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The details of the policy are:-
(i) encouragement of mechanical harvesting; cleaning and drying at farm and market level.
(ii) transportation of grains from farm to silos by specially designed trucks.
(iii) construction of a chain of silos at receipt as well as distribution points.
(iv) transportation of grain from silos to railhead and thereafter to pre-determined
destinations by specially designed trucks/ rail wagons (with top filling and bottom discharge
mechanism)/dedicated trains.
(v) declaration of foodgrains storage as infrastructure.
(c): Yes, Sir.
(d)&(e): The FCI will give business guarantee for utilization of space for a period of
seven years. The investment would be made by private parties.