Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Food Minister said the role of FCI is not only to deliver ration but also to instil confidence in farmers and beneficiaries by bringing in transparency, efficiency and accountability.

About the Food Corporation of India (FCI):

• FCI is a statutory body with multifaceted objectives aimed at ensuring national food security.
• It was established through the enactment of the Food Corporation Act, of 1964 by the Parliament.
• As part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, FCI plays a pivotal role in supporting farmers, managing food distribution, and maintaining strategic food grain stocks.

Key Objectives:

• Effective Price Support Operations: FCI focuses on safeguarding farmers' interests through efficient price support operations.
• Public Distribution System (PDS): The distribution of food grains nationwide for the PDS forms a crucial aspect of FCI's mandate.
• Operational and Buffer Stocks: FCI is entrusted with maintaining optimal levels of operational and buffer stocks to ensure national food security.

Role in Ensuring Food Security:

• Procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP): FCI actively engages in procuring food grains, primarily wheat and paddy, under the Price Support Scheme to guarantee MSP for farmers and provide affordable food to vulnerable sections.
• Coarse Grains Procurement: Additionally, FCI oversees the procurement of coarse grains, such as Jowar and Bajra, in coordination with state government agencies.
• Storage Capacity: To meet storage obligations, FCI boasts an extensive network of storage depots and silos strategically positioned across the country.
• Movement and Distribution: FCI undertakes the movement of food grain stocks from surplus to deficit regions, ensuring planned delivery through PDS, creating buffer stocks, and supplying food grains for defence, paramilitary forces, and natural calamities.

In conclusion, FCI's multifaceted role encompasses procurement, storage, and distribution, contributing significantly to the nation's food security and the well-being of farmers.