MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b) Some quantities of foodgrains stored in godowns of FCI accrued as
damaged/ non-issuable during the last three years and available as on 1.2.2011
are given in Annex. FCI has also reported that 59174 tons and 23863 tons of
damaged wheat stocks were available on 1.2.2011 with agencies of Punjab and
Haryana Governments, respectively. However, updated details on such stocks of
wheat with agencies of Punjab and Haryana in previous years are being collected.
(c) & (d) FCI has reported that for damages of foodgrains in FCI godowns,
action has been taken against delinquent officials during last three years and
current year as under;
Year No. of officials proceeded against for damage of foodgrains
2007-08 31
2008-09 50
2009-10 28
2010-11 20
Total 129
(e): State Governments and Food Corporation of India have been instructed from
time to time to take required measures for proper and safe storage of foodgrains
in covered godowns and in CAP storage. Recently such instructions to all State
Governments/UTs and FCI, for steps to be taken for proper preservation and safe
storage of central pool stocks of foodgrains have been reiterated on 24th January,
2011 for:
(i) Sensitisation of all field functionaries;
(ii) Carrying out inspection of stocks of foodgrains by senior officers;
(iii) Monitoring of observance of these steps on regular basis; and
(iv) For taking strict disciplinary action against delinquents.
The following precautionary and remedial steps are taken/to be taken by
F.C.I. and State Government agencies to check damages to central pool stocks of
foodgrains:
(i) All godowns are to be constructed as per specifications.
(ii) Foodgrains are to be stored by adopting proper scientific code of storage practices.
(iii) Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene
sheets are to be used to check migration of moisture from the floor.
(iv) Fumigation covers, nylon ropes, nets and insecticides for control of stored
grain insect pests are to be provided in all the godowns.
(v) Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation)
are to be 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 to be used.
(vii) Foodgrains in ‘Cover and Plinth’ (CAP) storage are to be stored on elevated
plinths and wooden crates are to be used as dunnage material. Stacks are to be
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 to be undertaken
by qualified and trained staff including senior officers.
(ix) The principle of “First in First Out†(FIFO) is to be followed to the extent
possible so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns.
(x) Only covered rail wagons are to be used for movement of foodgrains so as to
avoid damage during transit.
(f) Govt. has formulated a scheme for construction of godowns of 150 lakh
tons capacity through Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), State Warehousing
Corporations(SWCs) and private entrepreneurs. Out of this, CWC & SWC are
constructing 5.31 and 10.64 lakh tons capacity respectively under the scheme.
In addition, during the 11th Five Year Plan, Rs.149 crores have been provided
for construction of storage godowns of 1.88 lakh tons capacity by FCI and State
Governments.
An expert committee has been constituted under chairmanship of Dr. R.T.Patil,
Director CIPHET, Ludhiana to redraw the specifications of food storage godowns.
