Question : STORAGE CAPACITY FOR PADDY IN AP



(a) whether paddy farmers in Andhra Pradesh and other States have been asked not to grow paddy, in view of the overflowing godowns and lack of storage capacity;

(b) if so, the details of such States and extent of paddy storage capacity available and the quantity of paddy stored therein, State-wise;

(c) whether the farmers have been claiming that the stores are filled with paddy obtained under Food for Work Programme forcing them to resort to distress sale; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government to intervene and resolve the problems to the benefit and advantages of the farmers?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI U.V. KRISHNAM RAJU )

(a): No, Sir.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): No, Sir. As on 12.12.2002, vacant storage capacity to the tune of 16 Lakh MTs is available in Andhra Pradesh.

(d): Does not arise.