Question : OLD FOODGRAIN STOCK

(a) whether there is any criteria/guidelines for the shelf life of foodgrains stocks held by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other Government storage agencies;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the said agencies continue to hold old foodgrains stocks beyond the stipulated shelf life rendering it unfit for human consumption;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor indicating the quantum and value of such stocks, State-wise; and

(e) the remedial measures being taken by the Government in this regard?

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.548 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 04.05.2010 IN THE LOK SABHA.

(a): There is no specific criteria/guideline for the shelf life of foodgrains stocks held by the Food Corporation of India and other Government storage agencies. The life span of foodgrains depends upon various biotic and abiotic factors such as quality of foodgrains at the time of storage, storage structures, storage conditions, insect infestation, prophylactic and curative treatment given and adoption of scientific storage practices Foodgrains preserved in scientific storage structures with the adoption of scientific code of practices can be stored safely for a number of years.

(b),(c)&(d): In view of (a) above do not arise. However, a statement indicating region wise, commodity wise details of non issuable stocks held by FCI and state agencies is at Annexure -A. Out of 433.04 lakh tonnes of total food grain stock held in central pool on 31.3.2010, only 6702 tonnes of foodgrains are non issuable which is 0.015 % of the stocks and only 0.008 % of the stocks handled. The total value of non issuable foodgrains is estimated to be Rs. 3.63 crores which is 0.003% of the value of foodgrains handled.

(e): “First in First Out” (FIFO) principle is followed to the extent possible so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns. Other measures like construction of godowns as per specification, adoption of proper scientific code of storage practices, regular and timely prophylactic and curative treatments, control of insects pests, adoption of rat control measures and regular periodic inspection of stocks and godowns by technical staff are taken to preserve the foodgrain stocks held by FCI and State agencies.