Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas said in Rajya Sabha today that the annual requirement of foodgrains for implementation of the proposed National Food Security Act, is estimated at 614.3 lakh tons while the storage capacity available with the Food Corporation of India as on 30.06.2013 was 391.79 lakh tons.Besides the storage capacity with state agencies for storage of central stock of foodgrains is 354.28 lakh tons. Thus, a total storage capacity of 746.07 lakh tons is available for storage of Central stock of foodgrains. He was replying to a written question.
The Minister further said to augment the covered storage capacity; the Government is implementing Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) Scheme for construction of storage godowns through private entrepreneurs, Central and State Warehousing Corporations. Under the scheme, a capacity of 204 lakh tons has been approved for construction of godown at various locations in 19 States. A capacity of 73 lakh tons has already been completed. The Government has also approved construction of 20 lakh tons of storage capacity in silos within the overall sanctioned capacity of PEG scheme. In addition, under the Plan Scheme there is a proposal to augment 6,10,860 tons capacity foodgrain godown by FCI during 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). This includes 5,34,640 tons in North East areas, including Sikkim and 76,220 tons capacity in other areas.
