Question : SHORTAGE OF STORAGE SPACE

(a) whether there is acute shortage of storage space in some States leading to loss of foodgrains due to their storage in the open or under Covered and Plinth System (CAP);

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the total capacity, both owned and hired by the Government, alongwith the quantum of foodgrains stored therein, State-wise;

(c) the total number and capacity of CAP storage facility available alongwith the quantity of foodgrains stored therein, State-wise;

(d) the number of godowns constructed and repaired alongwith the funds released for the purpose during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and

(e) the remedial steps taken for proper and safe storage of the foodgrains?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a),(b),(c),(d)& (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.131 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 03.08.2010 IN THE LOK SABHA.

(a) &(b): Yes, Madam. There is shortage of storage space in some States.

The total storage capacity, both owned and hired by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) (as on 30.06.2010) and the State Agencies (as on 31.03.2010) was 601.94 Lakh MT (given in Annexure-A) of which covered capacity is 409.78 lakh MT. The total Central Pool stocks as on 30.6.2010 were 578.50 Lakh MT.

Details of damaged foodgrains with FCI during the last 3 years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 are given in Annexure-B.

(c): The number and capacity of CAP storage of FCI (owned & hired) along with stocks, State-wise, is given in Annexure-C.

(d): The statement showing the number of godowns constructed, capacity created and expenditure incurred by FCI during the last three years i.e. 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 and the current year is placed at Annexure-D. Number of godowns repaired by FCI during the last 3 years is as under:

2007-08	-	196
2008-09	-	138
2009-10	-	165