Keralam government to phase out unwanted food grain warehouses

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob has said that only essential warehouses under the department and Supplyco will be retained, while the remaining facilities will be phased out as part of a restructuring initiative.

At present, there are 177 National Food Security Act (NFSA) warehouses (operated by the department) and 56 Supplyco warehouses.

A departmental review has flagged the non-necessity of a large number of warehouses. Besides, most of the warehouses do not meet scientific standards, while several are in a dilapidated condition.

Notably, the department’s preliminary assessment indicates that all 177 NFSA warehouses may not be necessary. The Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has been directed to examine the matter and submit a report.

Food grain wastage

In a statement, the Minister stated that the present situation was largely caused by the allocation of warehouses in 2019 without properly assessing requirements or following clear standards. Inspections have revealed that even buildings with inadequate storage capacity and limited basic facilities are being used as warehouses. This has resulted in food grain wastage and also imposed a major financial burden on the government through rental expenses.

A team comprising Supplyco depot managers, district supply officers and taluk supply officers will urgently inspect warehouses in every district. While obsolete and unnecessary facilities will be discontinued, Expressions of Interest will be invited to identify new warehouses that meet scientific standards. Efforts are being made to complete the process within three months, he added.

The government will prioritise scientifically designed warehouses with access points on all four sides and efficient transportation facilities. The facilities are proposed to be established either under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model or through rental arrangements.