Question : PROCUREMENT AND STORAGE OF FOOD GRAINS

(a) the quantum of foodgrains procured by the FCI and other Government agencies alongwith the price and bonus paid therefor during each of the last three years and in the current year, State-wise and grain wise;

(b) whether the amount due to the farmers has since been paid;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor and the remedial steps taken in this regard;

(d) whether the States are having sufficient space for safe storage of the procured foodgrains;

(e) if not, the details thereof and the steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure safe storage of the foodgrains;

(f) whether foodgrains were also imported due to shortage in procurement during the said period; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a): A statement showing the State-wise procurement of wheat and rice by the FCI and agencies of the State Governments during each of the last three years and in the current year are at Annexure-I and Annexure-II respectively. The Minimum Support Prices of wheat and paddy and incentive bonus announced by the Government during each of the last three years and in the current year is at Annexure-III.

(b): Yes, Madam.

(c): Does not arise.

(d)&(e): Due to record procurement of wheat in RMS 2009-10 and of rice in KMS 2008-09, shortage of covered space has been felt by FCI and State agencies. Action was taken by FCI and State agencies to hire additional godowns. However, in order to store of wheat procured in RMS 2009-10 and to make adequate space available for taking rice deliveries, wheat stocks have also been stored in Covered and Plinth (CAP) storage. The steps taken to ensure safe storage of the foodgrains by FCI is at Annexure-IV.

(f)&(g): 53.79 lakh tonnes and 18.44 lakh tonnes wheat was imported by the Government during 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively.