28-Feb-2022: SECI and HPCL sign MoU to realize GOI’s green energy objectives and efforts towards carbon-neutral economy

In order to realize green energy objectives and the GOI’s efforts towards carbon-neutral economy, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI on 24th February 2022 in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Sh. Shuvendu Gupta, Chief General Manager- Biofuels & Renewables, HPCL, and Sh. Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director, SECI. The MOU envisages cooperation and collaboration in the field of Renewable Energy, Electric Mobility, and alternative fuels including the development of ESG Projects.

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), has been at the forefront of RE capacity development and has been credited for bringing the lowest RE tariffs in the Country. SECI is engaged in the promotion and development of various renewable energy resources, especially Solar/Wind energy, RE-based Storage Systems, Waste to Energy, trading of power, R&D Projects as well as RE base products like Green Hydrogen, green Ammonia, RE powered EV, etc.   In line with GOI’s objective of RE Capacity development and faster adoption of Electric Mobility in the Country, HPCL intends to further diversify in the RE Sector and Electric Mobility sector and to take up the development of ESG projects.

11-Feb-2022: FCI is operating 2199 of warehouses (Owned/Hired) for storage of food grains across the country

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed that that augmentation of capacity is a continuous process.  Food Corporation of India (FCI) continuously assesses and monitors the storage capacity and based on the storage gap assessment, storage capacities are created/hired. FCI augments its storage capacity through following schemes:-

1. Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme
2. Central Sector Scheme (CSS)
3. Construction of Silo's under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode
4. Hiring of godown from Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)/ State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs)/State Agencies
5. Hiring of godown through Private Warehousing Scheme (PWS).

As on 01.01.2022, FCI is operating 2199 of warehouses (Owned/Hired) for  storage  of  foodgrains  throughout the country.

20-Nov-2021: Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey inaugurated Food Corporation of India’s first state of art laboratory in Gurugram

Food Corporation of India (FCI) under Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has developed its first state-of-art laboratory for in house testing of food grain samples. Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Honourable Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the ‘Quality Control Laboratory’ at Institute of Food Security (IFS), FCI, Gurugram (Haryana) today.

He also launched a short film on ‘Fortification of Rice’ and launched ‘short films on bursting myth, Radio Jingles, & Social Media collaterals on rice fortification’. The DFPD is celebrating the iconic week Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which started on November 15, 2021, and will conclude on November 21, 2021. Meanwhile, several other programmes are being organised by DFPD in all parts of the country.

While addressing the staff and officers of FCI at the Institute, Shri Choubey said that the Modi government is committed to providing safe and healthy food grain to the consumers. He applauded the efforts of DFPD and all the organizations under it, such as FCI, CWC, IGMRI, WDRA, National Sugar Institute and others which have planned to organize special events for the Iconic week of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

He also said that these events shall be effective in reaching out to people and taking the vision and good work of the Centre Government to them. He emphasized the Centre’s commitment towards the importance of eating safe and healthy food and appreciated FCI all-inclusive approach to working towards a healthier nation. He also stressed the need to provide sufficient, safe and nutritious food grain to all people which is one of the major global concerns, and said that PM is making every effort to safeguard the Food Security of every citizen of the country.

He further emphasized that in view of large-scale malnutrition, anaemia among children and women, the Centre is working towards increasing the nutritious content of rice through fortification. Fortified rice distribution is being taken up under different government schemes including Public Distribution System, Mid-Day Meal among others and will be completed by 2024.

“Not only through Public Distribution System, but Centre is making efforts to make Fortified Rice available in open markets soon,” he said.

He said that the in the phase bound manner during first phase, till March 22m 35 LMT fortified rice is targeted to be distributed through ICDS and MDM schemes. In the second phase, till March 2023, 175LMT Fortified Rice will be distributed and in third phase till March 2024, 350 LMT Fortified Rice will be distributed.

He appreciated FCI for developing its first state-of-art laboratory for in house testing of food grain samples for chemical parameters which will lead to improved satisfaction levels for the consumers. The laboratory has been set up under the able guidance of the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru in Karnataka.

He happily pointed out that now food grains to be issued from FCI depots under various welfare schemes of the Government of India will be checked in-house for pesticide residues, Mycotoxin, Uric acid and fortification level of vitamins to ensure the food grain safety and nutritional security of the consumers. He wished FCI will work in a transparent manner with a pro-active approach as a bridge between the farmers and consumers in the country and FCI would be ready for adopting technological advancement of International standards.

These transformational reforms will go a long way in making the simpler process for ensuring the timely supply of safe food grain to the consumer. He congratulated CMD, FCI Shri Atish Chandra for the event celebrated under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and thanked all the staff and officers of the corporation for showing the team spirit to make the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision a success.

Director of the Institute, Ms. Moitreyi Mohanty elaborated about the efforts behind setting up of the lab.

5-Feb-2021: Storage capacity in the country

Against total stocks of 529.59 LMT (Wheat + Rice), the total storage capacity available with Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the State Agencies (both owned and hired capacity), is 819.19 LMT (as on 31.12.2020).

Total production of Rice and Wheat in the country during the last five years and current year is as under:

(Fig. in LMT)

*As per First Advance Estimates of Production of foodgrains during 2020-21, published by Ministry of Agriculture.

15-Jan-2021: Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal’s address to Food Corporation of India (FCI) on 57th Foundation Day

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Railways, and Commerce & Industry inaugurated the newly constructed building of Divisional Office, Mysuru on the occasion of 57th Foundation day of FCI on 14th January 2021.

The Minister also addressed the officers, staff and workers of Food Corporation of India (FCI) through Facebook Live on the occasion. He lauded the contributions of FCI in supply of foodgrains to approximately 80 crore people of the country to reduce the hardships being faced by the entire populace of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that welfare measures taken by the Government during these testing times reach the needy.  He also complimented FCI for the all-time high procurement of Wheat and Paddy. Further, the Minister said that the organisation is not just a government establishment but a committed organisation working in service of the nation and specially, the farmers.

Shri Piyush Goyal, in his address, mentioned that FCI had procured 140 LMT Paddy & 390 LMT Wheat and about 305 LMT additional foodgrains were issued during the pandemic free of cost under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY). Most importantly, when PMGKAY was audited through a third party, the satisfaction level was found to be 94%. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, during the lockdown, food and all essential products were made available to each individual, which in itself is a significant feat.

The Minister also highlighted how a 50% increase in the number of procurement centres has resulted in helping the farmers to efficiently and conveniently sell their produce. While farmers earlier had to travel long distances to reach the Mandis, this time around, the distance was greatly reduced. This led to an increase in farmers’ productivity and reduction in their time and efforts.

The Minister also highlighted the role of FCI in the procurement process and spoke about strengthening procurement through MSP to benefit the farmers. FCI is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the farmers, encouraging them to increase their production and at the same time, giving them the confidence of adequate procurement through MSP. For the next many years and decades to come, FCI will continue to work in service of the farmers. He also said that FCI is continuously working to make the process easier and more convenient to assist the farmers. Shri Piyush Goyal said that 40-45 lakh farmers had benefited through the procurement of wheat during the Rabi Market Season of 2020-21.

He emphasised that FCI will work with transparency and with a proactive approach and support system in becoming a bridge between the farmers and consumers of the country. He encouraged FCI to be future ready for serving the country by adopting technological advancement of international standard in delivering efficient, transparent and accountable services to the farmers, consumers and other stakeholders, especially the marginalised population of the country. In fulfilling the aspirations of a New India, Minister emphasised the importance of adopting newer technologies and innovations. He stated that freeing the organisation from discretionary powers, presenting the work in the public domain in a transparent manner and focusing on quality production will define FCI and make the facilities even more convenient for the farmers and other stakeholders. He also expressed confidence that FCI shall set the highest standards for itself in serving the nation. FCI’s transformational reforms will go a long way in making the process simpler for farmers and help increase their income. He closed his speech by wishing the whole nation for the ongoing festivities in the country.

5-Apr-2020: FCI sets all-time record in single day transportation of food grains

Continuing with its efforts to ensure that enough food grain stocks are made available in every part of the country during countrywide lockdown, FCI has set a new record in single day movement by moving 70 rakes carrying 1.93 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) continuously for two days on 03.04.20 and 04.04.20. During the 12 days since start of lockdown on 24.03.2020, FCI has done average movement of 1.41 Lakh MT food grain per day as against the pre-lockdown daily average of about 0.8 Lakh MT. A total of 605 rakes carrying about 16.94 Lakh MT food grains have been transported across the country during this period.

Punjab accounted for about 46% of total food grain movement at 7.73 LMT followed by Haryana (3.02 LMT), Telangana (2.04 LMT) and Chhattisgarh (1.15 LMT). Other states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh etc. moved the rest. Among the consuming states, maximum induction was done in Uttar Pradesh (2.07 LMT) followed by Bihar (1.96 LMT), West Bengal (1.65 LMT) and Karnataka (1.57 LMT). Keeping special focus on North East, a quantity of 1.4 LMT food grains have been inducted into the North Eastern states during the lockdown period. FCI is ensuring that the requirements of every state is met without any shortages. As on 04.04.2020, FCI is having 55.47 Million Metric Tonnes food grains (31.23 MMT Rice and 24.24 MMT Wheat) in central pool.

In addition to meeting the regular requirements of food grains under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and additional allocation under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), FCI is providing wheat and rice directly, without going through the e-auction route, at Open Market sale rates to ensure continuous supply of food grains in the open market. Wheat is given for meeting the requirements of manufacturers of wheat flour and other wheat products based on the assessment of requirements done by the respective District Magistrates. Rice is given to the state governments for further distribution through their channels. So far FCI has allotted 1.38 LMT Wheat in 13 states and 1.32 LMT Rice in 8 states under this model.

1-Apr-2020: FCI ramps up food grain supplies across the country during the lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak

Food Corporation of India (FCI) is ensuring uninterrupted supply of wheat and rice throughout the country during the lockdown period. FCI is fully prepared to meet not only the food grain requirement under National Food Security Act (NFSA) @5 KG/Month/Beneficiary but also any additional demand including supply of 5Kg/Person for next 3 months to 81.35 Crore people under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. As on 31.03.2020, FCI has 56.75 Million MT (MMT) of Food Grains (30.7 MMT Rice and 26.06 MMT Wheat).

Even in this challenging operational environment, FCI is able to meet the increasing demand of food grains by gearing up the pace of supply of wheat and rice throughout the country mostly by Rail. A total of 53 Rakes are being loaded today i.e. 01.04.2020 carrying about 1.48 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) food grain stock. Since the day of lockdown i.e. 24.03.2020 FCI has moved 352 rakes carrying an approximate quantity of 9.86 LMT.

FCI is conducting e-auction under Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) for providing Wheat to the empaneled roller flour mills/State Government to ease the supply constraint in the market. In the last e-auction held on 31.03.2020, bids for 1.44 LMT wheat have been received.

In view of outbreak of COVID-19, apart from regular e-auction, District Magistrates/Collectors have been authorized to lift directly from FCI depots at OMSS reserve price to cater to the needs of Roller Flour Mills and other wheat product manufactures. Till now, 79027 MT Wheat has been allotted in the following states through this route.

Further, e-auction for rice is also conducted. In the last e-auction on 31.03.2020, bids for 77000 MT rice have been received from the state of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, J&K etc.

In addition, considering the emergent situation, States have been allowed to take rice under OMSS @ Rs. 22.50/kg without participating in E-auction to meet any requirement over and above the NFSA allotment and additional allocation done under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana Allocation. So far, 93387 Metric Tonnes (MT) Rice has been allotted to the 6 states as per their requests.

7-Jun-2019: Future roadmap for Food Corporation of India (FCI).

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan asserted that the main objective of the Ministry is to ensure that not a single grain of food being produced by the hard work and labour of farmers gets wasted and all of it is procured by the government at Minimum Support Price while ensuring that corruption is completely removed.

Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan stated that primacy will be given to ensuring that the functioning of FCI is streamlined and fast paced as per recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee. He said that plan is to create 100 lakh ton silo storage capacity in the country. Previous government had constructed 6.75 lakh ton storage capacity while work is ongoing for 22 lakh ton storage capacity. Shri Paswan stated that the reason for slow progress in construction of silos is mainly due to the necessity of having 1.5 km rail siding next to the silos. Now RITES has been assigned the task of changing the silo model and they will give their recommendations in 90 days to FCI. The target for completion of remaining silos is 2021 so that the wheat procured in March 2022 can be stored in these silos.

The procurement of wheat and rice will continue as before so that the farmers continue to get the benefit of MSP being set by the government. 338 lakh ton of wheat has been procured in the recently concluded Rabi season procurement while in 2018-19 423 lakh ton of Rice has been procured out of which 341 lakh ton rice has reached FCI.

Direct recruitment process of FCI is being made more transparent through online examination which is being done in two phases. While first phase has already been completed on 3rd June, second phase will be completed by the second week of July. Similarly, recruitment of 77 posts of category 1 and 367 posts of category 2 will begin in July.

Talking about the 3 types of labourers in FCI namely Departmental, Daily Payment System (DPS) and No work no pay workers along with contractual labour, Union Minister Shri Paswan asserted that a big decision is being deliberated upon by the government to finish the 3 different arrangements and bring all workers of FCI under a single, uniform system which will bring stability of tenure and secured wages for all. A consensus in this regard is being formulated with all the different employee unions, 50% of whom are already on board.  

Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan further said that in order to improve the usage of Information Technology in FCI, a Human Resource Management System (HRMS) will be implemented, the work for which will begin in August, 2019 and will be completed by August 2020. This move will benefit 22,000 employees in 196 offices of FCI.

Integration work for depot online of FCI and CWC will be done in consultation with State governments and meetings will be held with the Food Ministers and Secretaries of State government in July to set the targets for integration.