(a) whether the Government is aware of the report regarding "India wastes more food than UK produces" and if so, whether the Union Government has conducted any latest study to ascertain the exact quantum of foodgrains, pulses, vegetables and fruits which go waste every year due to various factors;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) the new strategies proposed by the Government to check such wastage of foodgrains, pulses, vegetables and fruits?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a)&(b) There have been posts on the internet stating that India wastes more food than the national output of countries such as Britain.
The Central Institute for Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), an Institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has conducted a study in 2013-14 on “Assessment of Quantitative Harvest and Post-Harvest Losses of Major Crops/Commodities in India” sponsored by Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
The study included assessment of harvest and post harvest losses of 45 crops and livestock produce like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, spices, fish, eggs, poultry meat and milk. The losses have been assessed in farm operations (harvesting, collection, sorting, grading, drying, packaging and transport) and storage channels (farm, godown/cold storage, wholesaler, retailer and processing unit).
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The salient findings of the study with regard to foodgrain, pulses, vegetable and fruits are as under:
• The losses in cereals were estimated to be in the range of 4.65% (Maize) to 5.99% (Sorghum). Harvesting, threshing and storage at farm and wholesaler level contributed more towards losses.
• The losses in pulses ranged from 6.36% (Pigeon Pea) to 8.41% (Chick Pea). Harvesting, threshing, storage at farm and processing units were identified as major contributors in total losses.
• For fruits, the losses ranged from 6.70% (Papaya) to 15.88% (Guava). Harvesting, sorting/grading, transportation, storage at wholesaler and retailer levels were the main operations and channels where losses were found to be high.
• The losses in vegetables varied from 4.58% (Tapioca) to 12.44% (Tomato) owing to harvesting, sorting/grading, transportation, storage at wholesaler and retailers levels.
(c): Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been working on R&D activities towards the development of tools, machines and technologies for storage, post harvest processing and value addition of agricultural commodities to minimize the losses.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is providing financial assistance under Central Sector Schemes for promotion and development of the food processing sector. These are (i) Scheme for Mega Food Parks (ii) Scheme for Modern Abattoirs (iii) Scheme for Integrated Code Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (iv) Scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation (v) Scheme for Quality Assurance (vi) Scheme for Human Resource and Institutions.
The Government also takes steps to avoid losses of Central Pool foodgrains in storage. Details are given in the Annexure.
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Annexure
ANNEX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2235 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29TH NOVEMBER, 2016 IN LOK SABHA.
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT AVOID THE DAMAGE OF FOODGRAINS IN STORAGE
Before the commencement of Rabi and Kharif Marketing Seasons, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India issues uniform specifications for procurement of foodgrains for the Central Pool. These uniform specifications are circulated to F.C.I. and all State Govts./Agencies with instructions to ensure that foodgrains are procured strictly in accordance with the uniform specifications.
2. Foodgrains procured by F.C.I. and State Govts/Agencies are stored in covered godowns as well as in CAP (cover and plinth).
3. During storage, the following steps are taken for safe storage and preservations of foodgrains:
(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/godowns are 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.
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