(a) the present status of Village Grain Bank scheme in the country, including Uttar Pradesh;
(b) whether the Government has fixed any targets for setting up of Village Grain Banks
during the current Five Year Plan;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(d) the steps taken to achieve the said targets; and
(e) the assistance provided by the Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute in the maintenance of Village Grain Banks?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a): Under Village Grain Bank Scheme, this Department has sanctioned 18,692 Village Grain
Banks (VGBs) to various State Governments till date. The Govt. of Uttar Pradesh was
sanctioned 1281 VGBs in 2006-07 & 2008-09. The State Government has reported setting up of
500 VGBs in the State.
(b) to (d): During the 11th Five Year Plan period, a target to establish 12,823 Village
Grain Banks (VGBs) has been fixed. However, no State-wise targets have been fixed.
Proposals are requested from State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to set up
VGBs. They are pursued periodically through meetings and in writing for submission of
fresh proposals. During the first three years of the 11th Plan period, 7,219 Village
Grain Banks have been sanctioned to 12 States as per statement annexed.
(e): Village Grain Banks are managed by Executive Committee of each VGB. The Indian
Grain Storage Management and Research Institute is not involved in maintenance of VGBs.