FCI godown inaugurated, storage capacity enhanced
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 13 2013:
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for CAF&PD, Prof KV Thomas today inaugurated the newly constructed 5000 MT FCI Godown at Mayangkhang Ningthoupam in Senapati district.
The granary inauguration ceremony was attended by Outer Manipur MP Thangso Baite, CAF &PD Minister, M Okendro; RD and PR Minister, Francis Ngajokpa; ; MLAs, ADC members and officials of FCI.
Speaking as the chief guest of the programme, Prof KV Thomas while reiterating that a regional FCI office would be set up in Imphal soon, said that the Prime Minister has given the approval to make an official announcement of the project.
Necessary stock has been taken to provide adequate infrastructure for successful implementation of National Food Security Act, Prof Thomas said.
He added that several godowns would be set up under the five years plan so as to ensure the success of the Act.
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The FCI has formulated and approved a special plan during the last year, the Union Minister said adding the plan included stepped-up production of 568.17 cr MT of food grain.
The food storage capacity of North East would be increased to 5.40 lakh MT.
Out of this, increasing storage capacity of Manipur to 45,000 MT has been already approved, the Minister said.
Saying that there would be no shortage of fund for the construction of new godowns in the State, the Minister said the construction would commence as soon as the Govt allotted land for the same.
Prof Thomas further proposed providing solar power, rain water harvesting facilities to the newly inaugurated godown while assuring to take stringent action against contractors involved in misappropriation of food grains.
The three-chamber granary inaugurated today was constructed by the Technical and Promotional Cell of State Cooperation Dept at a total cost of Rs 7.9 crore.
The same was handed over to FCI in January this year.
Speaking at the occasion, State CAF&PD Minister, M Okendro stressed on the need to equip with adequate infrastructure and manpower in order to ensure the success of the NFSA in the State.
He urged the Union Minister to construct 14,000 MT godowns at strategic locations in view of single lifeline and prevalence of calamities in the State.
M Okendro drawn the attention of the Union Minister to implement a one-time project, providing fleet of trucks with GPS in order to ensure opening of fair price shops in the State.
Presently there are five FCI depots operational in the State with a capacity of 33,090MTs.With this, FCI is expected to effectively serve the needs of 4,06,593 PDS beneficiaries through annual induction of about 2.35 Lakh MT of foodgrains to Manipur despite geographical and infrastructural bottlenecks.