Storage, procurement and distribution operations discussed at FCI meet

Food Corporation of India (FCI) State-level consultative committee of Andhra Pradesh region (APSLCC) meeting was held on Monday, where participants discussed various aspects of FCI’s operations such as procurement, storage and distribution of foodgrains in the State.

According to an official press release, APSLCC Chairman and Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu, FCI-A.P. general manager Vijay Kumar Yadav and representatives from the civil supplies corporation and others participated in the meeting held in Vijayawada.

The total rice procurement in Andhra Pradesh, both by the State government and FCI, during kharif marketing season (KMS) 2023-24 was 20.59 lakh metric tonnes (MTs) benefitting 4,79,159 farmers. A total payment of ₹6,619.46 crore was given to the farmers.

During KMS 2024-25 (rabi), 19.84 lakh MTs of paddy was procured benefitting 2,01,819 farmers, with total MSP payment amounting to ₹4,572.88 crore.

To ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and replenish the stocks to meet foodgrain requirements, procurement operations were carried out through 4,391 paddy procurement centres during KMS 2023-24. This year also, 5,915 centres were established for smooth procurement, according to the release.

FCI has 8.21 lakh MTs of rice and the State government has 9.42 lakh MTs of rice under Central pool as on date.

In A.P., fortified rice is being distributed to 24.47 lakh children under the mid-day meal scheme and to 55,746 anganwadi centres under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The public distribution system (PDS) requirement of Andaman and Nicobar islands is also being met by Andhra Pradesh region through ship movement from Kakinada port, according to the release.