Food Corporation of India
1. Procurement of Food Grains:
FCI procures food grains, primarily rice and wheat, from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) declared by the Government of India. Procurement helps in stabilizing market prices and ensures a fair income for farmers.
2. Storage and Preservation:
FCI operates a vast network of warehouses and storage facilities across the country. These facilities ensure the safe storage and preservation of procured food grains to prevent spoilage and wastage.
3. Distribution of Food Grains:
FCI distributes food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and various welfare schemes like the Mid-Day Meal scheme. Under PDS, food grains are distributed to eligible beneficiaries at subsidized rates.
4. Buffer Stock Management:
FCI maintains buffer stocks of food grains to meet any emergency situations, such as natural disasters or unforeseen demand spikes. These stocks are used to stabilize prices and supply during times of scarcity.
5. Market Intervention:
FCI intervenes in the market to regulate prices, especially during harvest seasons, by purchasing excess produce from farmers to prevent distress selling.
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6. Rural Employment Generation:
FCI's procurement operations provide employment opportunities to rural labor during the harvest season, contributing to rural development and employment generation.
7. Implementation of Government Schemes:
FCI plays a crucial role in implementing various government welfare schemes related to food distribution, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients.
8. International Trade:
FCI participates in international trade for food grains, including exports and imports, to manage domestic supply and demand effectively.
FCI acts as a key instrument in India's food security system, ensuring that food grains reach vulnerable sections of society and preventing food shortages in the country. The organization's activities are critical in maintaining stability in food prices and ensuring the availability of food grains to all citizens, especially those in need.