To address the problem of inadequate covered storage space for foodgrains in the State, Punjab has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s permission to construct 20 lakh metric tonne-capacity godowns.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh urged him to direct the Union Food Ministry to “allow construction of 20 LMT-capacity covered godowns, under seven-year guarantee by the government and the Food Corporation of India, so that foodgrains may be stored scientifically in the State”.
“Bumper crops during the last few seasons, coupled with slow pace of evacuation of foodgrains from Punjab, have resulted in acute shortage of covered storage space. As a result, more than 100 LMT of wheat, out of 280 LMT of foodgrains stocked in the State, are currently stored in the open,” wrote Capt. Amarinder, adding that the situation has worsened this year because of unseasonal rain in the State that led to the purchase of certain quantities of wheat under relaxed specifications.
The Chief Minister pointed out that even though the FCI had approved the construction of an additional silo capacity of 21 LMT with railway sidings in the State, construction of the same may take four to five years or even more.