(a) whether the budgetary allocation for godowns and warehouses has been reduced from INR 245 crore in 2015-16 to INR 206 crore in 2016-17 despite the urgent need for increased storage, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(b) whether the High Level Committee on Restructuring the Food Corporation of India (FCI) (2015) has recommended for creation of new storage facilities in the form of silos to prevent the loss of foodgrains due to poor storage, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any measures to implement the recommendations and improve storage facilities of foodgrains; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a): As on 30.06.2016, 816.24 Lakh MT capacity is available for storage of Central Pool foodgrains against actual stocks of 495.95 Lakh MT. For the year 2015-16, budgetary allocation for construction of godowns was Rs. 80.00 cr. under Plan Scheme. For the year 2016-17, an allocation of Rs. 52.00 cr. has been made. This allocation is for construction of godowns only in the North Eastern States. The allocation is as per the requirement projected by Food Corporation of India (FCI) on the basis of land made available by the State Governments and status of the projects in the various states. The allocation is sufficient to meet the anticipated expenditure in various projects in 2016-17.
(b) to (d): Yes, Madam. The High Level Committee (HLC) has recommended for creation of 100 Lakh MT Silos with bulk handling facilities to improve efficiency and reduce losses in storage and handling of foodgrains.
The Government has approved a road map for construction of 100 Lakh MT silos across the country in a phased manner by 2019-20. The silos will be constructed by FCI and various state agencies in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode through private investors. Capacity of 4.5 Lakh MT has already been created in Madhya Pradesh and FCI has selected the silo operators for construction and operation of silos at 6 locations for 2.5 Lakh MT capacity. |
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