Question : RICE IN GODOWNS OF FCI



(a) whether eight thousand metric tonnes of `Arwa` rice and three thousand metric tonnes of `Usna` rice are lying in godowns of the Food Corporatin of India at Katihar in Bihar for more than last one and half year;

(b) whether the rice stored there is rotting in the absence of proper upkeeping;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Union Government has taken steps to protect the stock of rice from rotting; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SRIRAM CHAUHAN )

(a): A quantity of 10800 MT of boiled rice is only available in the Food Corporation of India (FCI) depot at Katihar as on 30th June, 2001. The age wise break up of the stock is as under:

Upto 1 year old	1-2 years old	Total
10391 MT 409 MT 10,800 MT

No raw rice was available at this depot on this date.


(b): No, Sir.

(c): does not arise.

(d)&(e): the FCI undertakes storage of foodgrains in scientifically build godowns and in a scientific manner. The quality and condition of stocks is monitored by undertaking periodic inspections at regular intervals. Necessary, prophylactic and curative disinfestation treatments are undertaken for preservation of the foodgrain stocks.