The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has directed officials to take all steps to maintain satisfactory level of operational and buffer stocks of foodgrains to ensure food security in Andhra Pradesh.
Interacting with top officials of FCI in Andhra Pradesh here on Monday, Dinesh Kumar, who has assumed charge as the corporations Executive Director (Transport), said the corporation would strive to protect the interests of farmers by ensuring minimum support price and to distribute foodgrains throughout the country for the public distribution system.
Prior to this new assignment, Dinesh Kumar was working with AP Transco as its Managing Director. “FCI will extend all support to Andhra Pradesh in procuring, storage and transporting foodgrains in the State to reach out to people in above poverty line and below poverty line segments,” an FCI press release said.
FCI, which procures 90 lakh tonnes, pays Rs 20,000 crore to farmers, the State Government and millers. It remits Rs 1,500 crore as Road (RD) Cess, VAT and market fee every year.