(a) the agencies responsible for the maintenance of foodgrain stocks stored in godowns across
the country;
(b) whether any mechanism is in place for regular inspection of the foodgrain stocks stored
in the godowns;
(c) if so, the details thereof indicating the procedure and the schedule of such inspections;and
(d) the effective steps taken for safe and proper storage of foodgrains in the godowns?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC),State Warehousing
Corporations (SWCs) and State Agencies are the main agencies responsible for maintenance of
foodgrain stocks stored in their respective godowns across the country.
(b): Yes, Madam
(c): The Quality Control Officers of FCI, CWC, SWCs and State Agencies regularly inspect
the foodgrain stocks stored in their respective godowns. These inspections are carried
out on fortnightly, monthly and quarterly basis. Moisture content, physical quality of
the foodgrains and presence of stored grain insect pests, if any, are checked and immediate
remedial measures are taken wherever required. Besides, Quality Control Officers of the Quality
Control Cells of the Government of India also carry out regular inspections of Food Storage
Depots of FCI, CWC, SWCs and State Agencies to monitor the quality of stored foodgrains as
well as maintenance and preservation of foodgrain stocks.
(d): The following effective steps are being taken for safe and proper storage of foodgrains
in the godowns:
(i) 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 the migration of moisture from the floor.
(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 the godowns for the control of stored
grain insect pests.
(vi) Rat control measures, both in covered godowns as well as in CAP storage are taken.
(vii) Regular periodic inspections of the stocks/godowns are undertaken by the technical staff.
(viii) The principle of “First in First Out†(FIFO) is followed to the
extent possible so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns.