The stock of foodgrains in the Central Pool as on 16 February 2015 was 353.67 lakh tons against the minimum buffer norms of 214.10 lakh tons for January-March quarter which is adequate to meet the requirement under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS). The estimated annual requirement of foodgrains under National Food Security Act (NFSA) is 614.3 lakh tons.
The Government has taken several steps to minimize storage and transit losses such as proper quality check at the time of procurement, adoption of proper scientific code of storage practices, use of wooden crates, bamboo mats to avoid moisture from the floor, prophylactic and fumigation are carried out regularly in FCI godowns, effective rat control measures, regular inspection of stocks/ godowns by Senior Officers, use of First in First Out (FIFO) method to avoid longer storage of foodgrains, deployment of security staff and use of covered wagons for movement of foodgrains etc.
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