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India registered a considerable increase in foodgrain production, thanks to the commencement of minimum support price in agriculture, according to K.V. Thomas, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
The rice production in the last financial year was 104.22 million tonnes which is expected to touch 130 million tonnes this year. The favourable weather conditions would also help achieve a record wheat production this year at 95 million tonnes.
Last year the country had a surplus of 160 tonnes rice and wheat production together, he said while delivering a lecture on the topic ‘Management of Public Distribution System in India’ as part of an event organised by Kerala Management Association here.
The country had achieved commendable progress in terms of food grains exports in the recent period against acute shortage faced during the time of independence, he said.
The Minister also pointed out that the Union Government is in the process of setting up peoples committees to ensure free and fair supply of food grains under the Food Security Bill. The committees will be formed under local self governments
The Public Distribution System also faces challenges in procurement, storage and transportation. He said that the Food Security Bill would enable 82 crore people in India for food grain supply against the existing 32 crore. The computerisation programme of FCI godowns in various states are on.
There are also plans to form FCI vigilance committee in every state and permission has been given to the public to examine godowns. To address complaints in connection with the PDS system, he said grievance cells would be formed at district, state and national level.
Paul Antony, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust spoke about the activities of the port and gave suggestions on improving the public distribution system by utilizing containers for transporting foodgrains.
S. Rajmohan Nair, president, KMA, delivered the welcome address Jibu Paul, Honorary Secretary, KMA proposed vote of thanks.
sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in
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