Questions :

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

be pleased to state:

• whether it is a fact that most of the States in the country do not have adequate arrangements for storage of foodgrains;

• if so, the programs launched by Government in the last five years to bridge this gap;

• whether there has been an increase in the storage capacity of food grains in the last five years;

• whether Government has worked under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to increase the storage capacity of foodgrains; and

• if so, the improvements it has brought in this area?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

• & (b): No, Storage capacity of Food Corporation of India (FCI) depends upon the level of procurement, requirement of buffer norms and Public Distribution System (PDS) operations. Storage gap is assessed in the procuring States based on the highest stock levels in the last three years and in the consuming States on the basis of 4 months (6 months in case of North Eastern States and in some other states like J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep) requirement of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS).

As on 01.03.2023, Covered Storage Capacity available with FCI and State agencies for storage of Central Pool foodgrain is 714.82 Lakh MT against stored stock of 321.23 LMT.

FCI continuously assesses and monitors the storage capacity and based on the storage gap assessment, storage capacities are created/hired through the following schemes: –

1. Construction of Silos under Public Privates Partnership (PPP) mode
2. Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme
3. Central Sector Scheme (CSS)
4. Hiring of godown from Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)/ State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs)/ State Agencies
5. Hiring of godown through Private Warehousing Scheme (PWS)

• : Yes, Sir. Details of covered storage capacity of FCI increased during last five years are as given below:

(Fig in LMT)

• & (e): Yes, At present, FCI is augmenting its storage capacity through PPP model under following schemes:-
  1. Construction of SILOs under PPP mode
  2. Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme

Silos:

In order to upgrade and modernize the storage facilities, Government of India has chalked out an Action Plan for construction of steel silos on PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode in the country. As on date capacity of 12.75 LMT is completed. In addition, a capacity of 5.5 LMT has been created under circuit based model in 2007.

Besides, FCI has awarded the work of construction of silos under Hub & Spoke model in PPP of 34.87 LMT storage capacity.

PEG Scheme:

Under the PEG Scheme, construction of conventional godowns has been undertaken in 22 States by attracting private investment. PEG Scheme was initiated in 2008 and is in its last phase. As on 01.03.2023, total capacity of 146.14 LMT has been completed under this Scheme.