Saksham GoelAIR 27 · CSE 2021 · 228 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a figure
Buffer stocks in India are holding 5 times the recommended amount of food grains, despite the freer and cheaper distribution in wave of COVID crisis.
Body · points
Major Issues in Buffer stocks
(1) Lack of segregation leading to perishables rotting and spill over effect on non-perishables.
(2) Lack of cold storage facilities.
(3) Overflowing godown, lack of storage, sorting, grading, labelling facilities.
(4) Due to open procurement system being applicable to only rice and wheat, the godowns are skewed in storage area allocation.
(5) Infestations of rats, ants, pests, etc leading to huge wastage. According to Ashok Dalwai Committee 30-40% of the foodgrains in buffer stocks are wasted.
(6) Regional disparity in location of the buffer stock godowns and non-smooth supply chain leading to delays in reaching the ration shops.
(7) Mis-management and inefficiencies.
Suggested measures to address the issue
(1) Better investment in modernisation of existing facilities- cold storages, godowns, etc
(2) Opening buffer stock facilities in under-served areas
(3) Better and real-time monitoring of stocks and their movement
(4) Allowing private sector to open up facilities by easing Essential Commodities Act.
(5) Proper segregation of perishables and non-perishables. Preference to sell off perishables quickly.
(6) Water-down open procurement policy and encourage diversification crops.
(7) Utilisation of AIF (Agricultural Infrastructure fund).
Close · a summary
Thus, food security of the country must be ensured to prevent food scarcity despite crop abundance.
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