(a) whether the Government is considering to set up a Centre of Excellence on food security on similar lines of Brazil in collaboration with the UN agency, World Food Programme;
(b) the details of the main objectives of the centre;
(c) whether the Government is seeking help of BRICS countries for the supply of pulses and edible oils, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government along with the BRICS countries to ensure supply of pulses and oilseeds?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a) & (b): A Letter of Intent to for preparing a proposal for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Food & Nutritional Security (CENEX) was signed between Hon’ble Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Ms. Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP) in January 2016.
It is envisaged that the Centre will function as an inter-mainisterial forum and an advisory arm to the Government of India in order to address the challenges and facilitate solutions relating to the food security value chain in coordination with concerned stake holders and foster South South fooperation in the field of food security.
(c): No, Madam.
(d): Question does not arise.
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