(a) whether foodgrains kept in buffer stocks are mandatorily replaced every year;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the changes proposed to be made in the system of storage, maintenance and distribution of food- grains to contain damages to foodgrain stocks?
MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Government of India ensures minimum Food reserve in its godowns at any given point of time. Stocks are released to meet requirement of Targeted Public Distri- bution System (TPDS) and other welfare schemes as per the demand of the respective State/ UT, on continuous basis, following First In First Out (FIFO) principle. Stocks equivalent or more are continuously replenished in Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns on conti- nuous basis. Stocks are moved from surplus states to deficient States.
(c): Covered storage is being progressively augmented and foodgrain stock is being liquidated within 2 years of procurement. FCI has augmented its storage capacity based on an identification of gap through State Level Committees under Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme as stated below:
YEAR CAPACITY CREATED UNDER PEG SCHEME (FIG IN LMT)
2010-11 2.0 2011-12 26.17 2012-13 40.66 2013-14 49.88 2014-15 8.30 (31-03-15)
FCI has also planned to modernize its existing storage capacity by construction of modern silos in PPP mode.
Steps taken by FCI to preserve the quality of procured Food grains during Storage are at Annex.