Question : FOODGRAIN STORAGE SYSTEM

(a) whether the storage capacity in the country is adequate to meet the requirements under the proposed food security scheme;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith, the remedial steps taken in this regard;

(c) whether China has almost five times the storage capacity for foodgrains than India and employs better system of mechanised handling, preservation techniques and temperature control;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to develop the foodgrain storage system in the country on the lines of China; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) and (b) All aspects of the proposed National Food Security Act (NFSA), including its coverage, entitlement, total requirement of foodgrains, etc., are under consideration of the Government.

(c) and (d) There is no specific information available with regard to storage capacity for foodgrains in China. However, as per the information gathered during the visit of Indian delegation from Department of Food & Public Distribution to China in June, 2010, about 30% - 40% China’s grain output is stored as grain reserve in both Silos and conventional flat storage.

As regards present system of food grains storage in India, the stocks are stored by following scientific methods and preservations techniques for safe storage.

(e) and (f) There is no such proposal before the Government.