Question : FCI Godown

(a) whether a conference of food Ministers of States was held recently in Delhi to discuss the issue of expansion of storage space and management of foodgrains;

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof indicating the matters discussed and important decisions taken therein along with the steps taken for its implementation and creating awareness about augmentation of storage space;

(c) the details of the targets fixed and achieved for creation of modern and
scientific godowns in the country during the current plan period indicating the present requirement and availability of storage space in the country; and

(d) whether the States have sought assistance/subsidy from the Government for augmentation of storage capacity, if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

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


(a) & (b): A meeting of Food Ministers had been organized recently to discuss progress of implementation of NFSA, measures for availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices and computerization of TPDS. The occasion was also used to high light issues pertaining to allotment of land by State Government for construction of godowns in some of the States.

(c): There is sufficient storage capacity for foodgrains at present. As on 30.06.2015, there is 754.26 lakh MT of storage capacity available with FCI and State agencies against the central pool stock of 545.75 LMT.

However, modern and scientific godowns are being constructed under Plan Scheme as well as through private investors in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode to further augment storage capacity. Under the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), a capacity of 3,68,950 MT has been targeted for creation, out of which 78,060 MT has been created as on 30.6.2015.

In addition, 150 lakh MT has been sanctioned for construction of godowns in PPP mode under PEG Scheme in 20 States. Out of this, a capacity of 128.13 lakh MT has been completed so far.

(d): No proposal has been received from the States for assistance/subsidy.

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