The storage capacity for foodgrains in state of Kerala would be increased from 5.13 lakh tonnes (LT) to six lakh tonnes in the near future. This increase in storage capacity is part of the Centre’s initiatives to improve storage capacity of foodgrains in the country.
The Union Minister for Food K V Thomas laid down the foundation stone for the 5,000 tonne capacity godown of FCI at Kalpetta in Kerala. The minister said that 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.
The Centre would also set up two storage facilities under PPP mode with a capacity of 25,000 tonne each in Kochi and Kozhikode. In order to reform PDS in the country an ambitious programme with a total outlay of Rs 844 crore had already commenced. Since 2009 the Centre has allotted 13.7 LT of foodgrains to Kerala, it allocated an additional 1.5 LT when the price of rice increased.
