Centre taking initiative to raise foodgrains storage capacity

KALPETTA (KERALA): As part of the Centre's initiatives to improve storage capacity of foodgrains in the country, Kerala's capacity would be increased from 5.13 lakh tonnes to six lakh tonnes in the near future, Union Minister for Food K V Thomas said on Monday.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the 5,000 tonne capacity godown of FCI here, Thomas said the Food Security Bill would ensure that every citizen gets five kgs of foodgrains per month.

It was under these circumstances, more storage facilities were needed in the country. Two storage facilities with a capacity of 25,000 tonne each would be set up under PPP mode in Kochi and Kozhikode, he said.

Referring to the initiatives to reform PDS in the country, he said an ambitious programme with a total outlay of Rs 844 crore had already commenced.

Thomas said Centre had allotted 13.7 lakh tonnes of foodgrains to Kerala since 2009. When the price of rice increased, it allocated an additional 1.5 lakh tonnes to Kerala, he added.