Question : STORAGE CAPACITY

(a) whether inadequate scientific storage capacity, regional imbalance in location of warehouses and inefficient logistic management leads to loss of foodgrains, if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken/proposed in this regard including improvement in logistics and removal of regional imbalances;

(b) whether repeated handling of the grains bags during storage and transit add to such losses, if so, the details thereof and corre- ctive steps taken in this regard; and

(c) the steps taken to ensure proper storage of foodgrains for maintaining its quality and to liquidate surplus stocks?

MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAMVILAS PASWAN)

(a): No, Madam. There is adequate scientific storage capacity with FCI and State agencies for storage of Central pool stocks.

(b) & (c): The storage and transit losses occur due to various reasons such as loss in moisture, longer period of storage and operational losses including multiple hand- ling of bags. In order to minimize such losses, FCI is introducing mechanization of warehouses, creation of Silos, bulk movement and conversion of part of exis- ting storage capacity into Silos.

Steps taken for proper storage of foodgrains include usage of polythene sheets on wagon floor, effective quality checking of foodg- rains at the time of procurement, prophyla- ctic & curative treatment of stocks and effective security arrangements. In addition, disciplinary actions are initiated against delinquent officials wherever they are found to be negligent during storage/loading/un- loading of foodgrains.

FCI occasionally resorts to open market sale and export for liquidating the surplus stocks.