Question : Wastage of Foodgrains

(a) the quantity in terms of volume and value of food and foodgrains rotten or been wasted at FCI Godowns and Central Warehouses during each of the last three years and the current year;

(b) the steps taken by the Government to reduce the wastage of foodgrains stored at said warehouses;

(c) whether the wasted grains are utilized for the production of other products such as manure or are utilized elsewhere;

(d) whether the Government has conducted any study or has commissioned any study to explore the possibility of using rotten food and foodgrains for other purposes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)
(a): The details on the quantity and value of foodgrains which got damaged in godowns of Food Corporation of India (FCI) (owned & hired) and Central Warehousing Corporation during last three years and current year is as under:
Sl No. Year Damaged Foodgrains
Quantity (in MTs) Value (in Crores)
1 2017-18 2663.486 3.22
2 2018-19 5213.362 6.73
3 2019-20 1930.362 2.61
4 2020-21 (31.12.2020) 1714.431 2.56
(b): Steps taken by the Government to reduce damage of foodgrains are enclosed at Annexure.
(c): Yes Sir.
(d) & (e): As such, no study has been conducted or commissioned by the Ministry.
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ANNEXURE
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 14 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 02.02.2021 IN THE LOK SABHA.
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR SAFE STORAGE OF PROCURED FOODGRAINS TO REDUCE DAMAGE:
(i) All godowns are constructed as per specifications.
(ii) Foodgrains are stored by adopting proper scientific code of storage practices.
(iii) Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene sheets are used to check migration of moisture from the floor to the foodgrains.
(iv) Fumigation covers, nylon ropes, nets and insecticides for control of stored grain insect pests are provided in all the godowns.
(v) Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation) are carried out regularly and timely in godowns for the control of stored grain insect pests.
(vi) Effective rat control measures, both in covered godowns as well as in CAP storage are used.
(vii) Foodgrains in ‘Cover and Plinth’ (CAP) storage are stored on elevated plinths and wooden crates are used as dunnage material. Stacks are properly covered with specifically fabricated low-density black polythene water -proof covers and tied with nylon ropes/nets.
(viii) Regular periodic inspections of the stocks/godownsare undertaken by qualified and trained staff and all senior officers. The health of the foodgrains is monitored at regular intervals by a system of checks and super checks at different levels. Following Checks and Super checks are conducted in the godowns by FCI to ensure proper preservation of foodgrains in the storage.

a) Fortnightly inspection of stocks on 100% basis by Technical Assistant.
b) Monthly inspection by Manager(QC)
c) Quarterly inspection by AGM(QC)
d) Super Checks by Regional, Zonal and FCI Hqrs Squads.

(ix) The principle of “First in First Out” (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns.
(x) Only covered rail wagons are used for movement of foodgrains so as to avoid damage during transit.
(xi) Damage Monitoring Cells have been set up at District, Regional and Zonal levels to regularly monitor quality of stocks and reduce damages.
(xii) Identify & repair all the leakage point in the roof.
(xiii) Cleaning of drainages in the godown premises ensured.
(xiv) Ensure no seepage inside the godowns.
(xv) No clogging up of water in the premises.
(xvi) Immediate action to segregate & recondition of the stocks whenever it gets affected.
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