Food ministry to take up grain offtake issue with states

Meeting to chalk out strategy to improve transportation during harvesting.

To improve foodgrain offtake by states and to encourage them to create additional storage facilities, the food ministry has called a meeting of both grain producing and consuming states on July 20 and 26.

The meeting will not only take stock of existing grains storage facilities and distribution chains at the state level, but will also chalk out a strategy to improve transportation during the crucial harvesting months for both wheat and rice. Producing states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and consumer states like Assam and South Indian states will attend the meeting.

The ministry also plans to meet officials from state consultative committees on storage headed by a member of Parliament. Food ministry officials said low off take of grains by states has been one of main reasons for lack of adequate storage space.

Procurement of wheat in the 2011-2012 crop season that started in April is estimated to be around 27.5 million tonnes, while rice procurement is over 30 million tonnes.

In early July, stocks for the central pool was estimated at over 64 million tonnes, while available storage space with Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies was estimated at around 63 million tonnes.

Recently, the food ministry had allowed states to distribute grains meant for sale in open markets to jails, destitute homes, colleges and schools at a fixed price to improve offtake. It had also directed its officers to tour various states on a regular basis to oversee offtake and procurement of grains.