Officers to face actions over rotten grains: Pawar

New Delhi, Aug 10: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said in Rajya Sabha on Aug 10 that strict action has been taken against officials responsible for rotting of food grains at various FCI godowns.

Pawar informed that food grains stock in the Central Pool had increased three-folds since 2006, which had ensured better and remunerative prices to farmers.

"However it has caused a strain on storage capacities with FCI and state government agencies involved in procurement," he added.

He also included, "The quantity damaged must be seen in the perspective of total quantities handled and larger quantities kept in Covered and Plinth (CAP) storage because of heavier procurement."

However, BJP leader, M Venkaiah Naidu said, "It is the duty of the government to create additional space. Government has miserably failed in its duty to supplement storage capacity."

Shiv Sena leader, Manohar Joshi demanded to set up a joint parliamentary committee to inquire into the issue of storage of food grains and also said that the government does not seem to be attentive to the issue.

Opposition asked clarification from the Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on the rotten food grain issue.

OneIndia News