(a) whether any National Policy on handling, storage and transportation of foodgrains have been formulated to minimise storage and transit losses;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government have issued any guidelines for the use of modern technology to minimise transit/storage losses;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the other steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to minimise transit/storage losses of foodgrains?
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): Yes, Sir. With a view to minimize storage and transit losses and to introduce modern technology, the Government had announced a National Policy on handling, Storage and transportation of foodgrains in June, 2000.
(b): The policy envisaged encouragement of private sector participation for development of infrastructure for integrated bulk handling, storage and transportation of foodgrains.
(c) & (d): The Government has initiated a pilot project through private sector participation for development of integrated bulk handling, storage and transportation facilities on Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis.
(e): The following steps are being taken by the Government to minimize transit/storage losses of foodgrains:
(i) Good quality and new gunny bags are used for packaging of foodgrains (wheat and rice).
(ii) Double line machine stitching of bags is encouraged.
(iii) Adoption of 50 Kg bags in phased manner to avoid use of hooks for lifting of foodgrain bags.
(iv) Tarpaulins/polythene sheets are used to collect spillage during loading and unloading of trucks/railway wagons.
(v) Scientific code of practices including prophylactic and curative measures are adopted for the control of insect pests during storage of foodgrains to minimize storage losses.
(vi) Inspection and monitoring of calibration of weigh bridges.
(vii) Maintaining priority list for issue of stocks observing the First in First Out (FIFO) principle.
(viii) Movement of foodgrains in covered wagons.
(ix) Transit Insurance Agreement with M/S Oriental Insurance w.e.f. 20.9.2002 (for one year) for the losses arising out of transportation of foodgrains ex North to other Zones.