Parliament Question: Lack of warehouses for storing foodgrains

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3565 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24TH MARCH, 2026 LACK OF WAREHOUSES FOR STORING FOODGRAINS 3565 # SHRI RAMJI LAL SUMAN: Will the Minister of Consumer Affairs , Food and Public Distribution be pleased to state (a): whether it is a fact that farmers bring crops to the agricultural markets, that are often damaged by rain due to lack of proper storage facilities; (b): whether it is also a fact that due to the lack of a concrete grain distribution policy, grain warehouses hold last year’s grain and warehouses for the new crop are not available; (c): the details of grain spoiled during the last five years due to storage in open areas of the markets; and (d): the number of food storage warehouses constructed during the last five years? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BANIBHANIYA) (a): There is no information available regarding foodgrains brought by farmers getting damaged by rain due to lack of proper storage facilities. The guidelines being followed by implementing agencies to address the problem of losses offoodgrains during storage are enclosed at Annexure-l. (b): FCI continuously assesses and monitors the storage capacity and based on the storage gap assessment, storage capacities are created/hired. The requirement of Storage capacity in FCI depends upon the level of procurement, requirement of buffer norms and PDS operations for Rice and Wheat mainly. FCI hires storage capacities from CWC/ SWC/ State Agencies/Private Agencies wherever required while ensuring optimum utilization of existing capacities. As on 01.03.2026, the Storage capacity of 483.70 LMT is available with Food Corporation of India and 463.40 LMT is available with State agencies for Central Pool stock of foodgrains. As a result, a total covered capacity 947.10 LMT is available for storage of Central Pool stock offoodgrains.Further, FCI is augmenting its storage capacity through following schemes: a. Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme b. Private Warehousing Scheme (PWS) c. Creation of godown under Asset Monetization. d. Hiring of godown from CWC/ SWCs/State Agencies e. Central Sector Scheme (CSS) f. Construction of SILOs under Public Private Partner-ship (PPP) mode (C): No food grains spoiled due to storage in open areas of markets in FCI. (d): During the last five years, a total storage capacity of 78,100 MT has been created by FCI at 11 locations and a capacity of 27,385 MT has been created by State Governments at 13 locations under the Central Sector Scheme. Besides, 4.42 LIVIT of storage capacity has been created at 44 locations over the last five years under the PEG Scheme. In addition to that, silos at 49 locations with capacity of 26.25 LMT have been created in last five years. ##888) Annexure-I The Guidelines followed by Agencies to address the problem of losses of foodgrains during storage: A. Periodical maintenance of Scientific Storage structure. Dedicated Engineering wing of FCI carries out periodical maintenance of all storage structures a) Identifying & repairing of all the leakage points in the roof. b) Cleaning ofdrainages in the man(Ii/godown premises ensured. c) Ensuring that no seepage inside the godowns/mandi so that no clogging up of water. d) Ensuring all the repairing works are attended on priority before the onset of monsoon season. B. Scientific storage and preservation of stocks. i. Foodgrains are stored by adopting proper scientific code of storage practices. ii. Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene sheets are used to check migration of moisture from the floor to the foodgrains. iii. Fumigation covers, nylon ropes, nets and insecticides for control of stored grain insect pests are provided in all the godowns. iv. Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation) are carried out regularly and timely in godowns for the control of stored grain insect pests. v. Regular periodic inspections of the stocks/godowns are undertaken by qualified and trained technical staff and senior officers. The health of the foodgrains is monitored at regular intervals by a system of checks and super checks at different levels. vi. The principle of “First in First Out” (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible so as to avoid longer storage offoodgrains in godowns. However, stocks lying at vulnerable plinths and procured under relaxed specifications are issued on overriding priority to avoid any damage to stocks in storage. ix. Damage Monitoring Cells have been set up at District, Regional and Zonal levels to regularly monitor accrual of stocks and reduce damages. Each case of damage is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action in case of negligence is invariably taken against the delinquents.