Govt. steps for safe storage of foodgrains in FCI godowns

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) The Government is taking a number of steps to ensure safe storage of foodgrains in the godowns of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Minister for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution Sharad Pawar told the Rajya Sabha today.

In a reply during Question Hour, Mr Pawar said that no foodgrains had got spoilt in the godowns of FCI due to lack of preservation during the period between 2005 and September, 2008.

However, about 2.49 lakh tonnes of foodgrains were damaged due to various reasons such as cyclones and floods while some quantity were damaged due to acceptance of below specification stocks and movement to other regions.

"The quantity of the foodgrains damaged works out to 0.09 per cent approximately of the total foodgrains handled by FCI during the period from 2005 to September 2008," Mr Pawar said.

Among the steps taken to ensure safe storage of foodgrains were construction of all FCI godowns as per specifications, storing the foodgrains by adopting scientific storage practices, provision of adequate dunnage materials, fumigation covers and chemicals in all godowns and regular and periodic inspections of the stocks and godowns by qualified and trained staff of the FCI.

The Minister said action was taken against the officers responsible for neglect.

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