Question : FOOD SUPPLY DURING DROUGHT

(a) whether the FCI has set up a crisis management group to meet the situation arising out of drought and flood in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof in this regard;

(c) whether some States have requested for supply of additional foodgrains to meet the situation;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the foodgrains demanded and supplied by the Government, State-wise;

(e) whether there are sufficient stocks of foodgrain and sugar in the country;

(f) if so, the details of the stock; and

(g) the other steps being taken to ensure sufficient food supply?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH )

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Crisis Management Group (CMG) of the FCI monitors the position on a daily basis and is in touch with the Ministry of Railways, Department of Food and Public Distribution and the State Governments on a regular basis.

(c): Yes Sir.

(d): A Statement is enclosed as Annex.

(e) & (f) : Yes Sir. The Stock of foodgrains in the Central Pool as on 1st August, 2004 was 270.35 lakh tonnes (90.88 lakh tonnes rice and 179.47 lakh tonnes wheat). The total availability of sugar in the country during the Sugar Year : 2003-04 is about 254.14 lakh tonnes.

(g): The quantum of movement has been stepped up to ensure adequate supply of foodgrains. Besides, a minimum stocking norm of 3 months` requirement has been stipulated for the States with drought like conditions.

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2514 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 16th AUGUST, 2004 IN THE LOK SABHA.

STATEMENT SHOWING REQUEST AND ALLOTMENT OF FOODGRAINS FOR DROUGHT/FLOOD AFFECTED STATES DURING THE YEAR 2004-05

(Figures in Tonnes)
Sl.No.	State	Requested	Allotted	Purpose
1.	Andhra Pradesh	2,00,000	1,82,000	Drought

2.	Maharashtra	7,00,000	3,00,000	Drought

3.	Rajasthan	2,00,000	1,19,000	Drought

4.	Madhya Pradesh	4,00,000	50,000	Drought

5.	Bihar	1,00,000	1,00,000	Flood