**Policy Summary: Improving the Quality of Foodgrain**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4595, addressed on August 20, 2025, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution confirms that the Government of India has implemented steps to improve the quality of foodgrain. Foodgrains designated for the central pool are procured in strict accordance with uniform specifications established by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Furthermore, a Quality Management System (QMS) has been developed to monitor laboratory activities in real-time. This system aims to enhance operational planning, improve quality control throughout the foodgrain supply chain (including procurement and preservation), and ensure greater reliability and accuracy.
Key Entities Referenced
LOK SABHA: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION: The Indian government ministry responsible for consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
SHRI YADUVEERWADIYAR: Member of Parliament who asked the question about improving the quality of foodgrain.
SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA: Minister of State for the MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION who provided the answer to the question.
central pool: Refers to the stock of foodgrains maintained by the Government of India for welfare schemes and other interventions.
Department of Food and Public Distribution: A department under the MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION responsible for formulating specifications for foodgrain procurement.
Quality Management System (QMS): A system developed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution to monitor laboratory activities and improve quality control of foodgrains.
foodgrains: Refers to grains like wheat, rice, etc., procured and distributed under the public distribution system.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS. FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4595
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20TH AUGUST, 2025
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FOODGRAIN
4595. SHRI YADUVEERWADIYAR:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken steps for improving quality offoodgrain;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(C) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
(a) and (b): Yes. The foodgrains meant for central pool are procured strictly as per the uniform
specifications formulated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Additionally, the
department has developed a Quality Management System (QMS) to monitor laboratory activities in
real time. This system is designed to enhance operational planning, improve the quality control of
foodgrains and ensure greater reliability and accuracy throughout the procurement, preservation
and entire supply chain processes offoodgrains.
(c): Does not arise in view to (a) & (b) above.
RSc SeSeSc