Measures Taken by FCI for ensuring food security during Covid-19

As per the Food Corporation of India report dated 12.05.2020, FCI currently has 271.27 LMT rice and 400.48 LMT wheat. Hence, a total of 671.75 LMT food grain stock is available (excluding the ongoing purchase of wheat and paddy, which have not yet reached the godown).About 60 LMT food grains is required for a month under NFSA and other welfare schemes.

Since the lockdown, about 80.64 LMT foodgrains have been lifted and transported through 2880 rail rakes. Apart from the rail route, transportation was also done through roads and waterways. A total of 159.36 LMT has been transported. 15,031 MT grains was transported through 11 ships. Total 7.36 LMT food grains have been transported to the North-Eastern States.Under the NFSA and PMGKAY, for next 3 months total 11 LMT food grainis required in NE States.

Open Market Sales Scheme

During the lockdown, NGOs and social institutions running relief camps can purchase wheat and rice directly from FCI Depots at Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) rate. The State Governments can also purchase food grains directly from FCI.

State Governments can also provide rice / wheat to non-NFSA families who have been issued ration cards by the State Governments, for the next three months. Under the OMSS, the rates of Rice is fixed at Rs.22/kg and Wheat- Rs.21/kg.Meanwhile, FCI hassold4.68 LMT wheat and 6.58 LMT rice through OMSS during the lockdown period.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana

Foodgrain (Rice/Wheat)

Under the PMGKAY, for next 3 months a total of 104.4 LMT rice and 15.6 LMT wheat is required of which 69.65 LMT rice and 10.1 LMT wheat have been lifted by various States and UTs. A total of 79.75 LMT has been lifted. The Government of India is bearing 100% financial burden of approximately Rs. 46,000 crores under this scheme.Wheat has been allocated to 6 States/UTs, - Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat and rice has been provided to the remaining States/UTs.

Pulses

As regards Pulses, the total requirement for the next three months is 5.87 LMT. So far, 3.15 LMT pulses have been dispatched while 2.26LMT Pulses have reached the States/UTs and 71,738 MT has been delivered. A total of 12.75 LMT pulses (Toor-5.70 LMT, Moong-1.72 LMT, Urad-2.44 LMT, Bengal Gram-2.42 LMT and Masur-0.47 LMT) is available in the buffer stock as on 12 May 2020.

EC Act

The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified face masks and sanitizers under the Essential Commodities Act in view of their increased demand due to COVID-19. Prices of masks, sanitizers and ingredients used in their manufacturing have also been capped.

States have been given guidelines to ensure there is no obstruction in supply-chain management due to lockdown and check prices of all essential items. The Centre has delegated all powers to the State Governments to take decisions under the EC Act.

Food grain Procurement

As on 12.05.2020, total 268.9 LMTwheat (RMS 2020-21) and 666.9 LMT rice (KMS 2019-20) were procured.

End-to-End Computerization

Total 90% FPS automation has been done through e-PoS,while in total 20 states/UTs, it has been done100%.

Aadhar seeding of 90% ration cards havebeen achieved, while in 11 states/UTs, it has been done 100% .