(a) the details of the amount of value and volume of food grains wasted in the last five years, year wise;
(b) the names of the top five wasted food items;
(c) whether the Government has been able to figure out the reasons for the huge wastage;
(d) if so, the details of preventive measures taken in this regard; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)
(a): The details on the value and volume of foodgrains which got damaged in godowns of Food Corporation of India (FCI) during the last five years are as under:
(Fig. in LMT)
Year Accrued Quantity of damaged foodgrains Offtake Quantity (excluding DCP) % of damaged foodgrains against offtake quantity Value in Crore
2016-17 0.09 473.31 0.019 9.12
2017-18 0.027 452.16 0.006 3.22
2018-19 0.05 500.08 0.010 6.73
2019-20 0.02 455.13 0.004 2.61
2020-21 0.02 688.57 0.003 2.77
(b): The top five food items having quantitative harvest and post harvest losses are Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Bajra and Sorghum.
(c): Yes, Sir. Natural calamities like floods and cyclones are the major cause of damage to the foodgrains.
(d): Steps taken by the Government to prevent damage of foodgrains are enclosed at Annexure.
(e): Does not arise in view of (d) above.
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ANNEXURE
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1755 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 08.12.2021 IN LOK SABHA
Steps taken by the Government to prevent damage of foodgrains are as under:
(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 are taken.
(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.
(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) Identify & repair all the leakage point in the roof is done periodically.
(xii) Cleaning of drainages in the godown premises ensured.
(xiii) Ensure no seepage inside the godowns.
(xiv) No clogging up of water in the premises.
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