- (1.) Mr. Mohan Parasaran, learned Additional Solicitor General submits that learned Attorney General for India has been briefed in this matter. We would like specific reply to the following queries: On 20.8.2001, more than 9 years ago, this Court passed an order that the foodgrains which are over- flowing in the storage, especially of the FCI godowns and which are in abundance, should not be wasted by dumping into the sea or eaten by rats. Mere schemes without any implementation are of no use. What is important is that the food must reach the hungry.
(2.) In 2010, the Government of India has filed an affidavit before this Court in which it is admitted that the FCI have reported that 55,121 tonnes of wheat in Punjab and Haryana alone have been damaged or rendered unfit for human consumption. It is further submitted that 12,418 tonnes of foodgrains in FCI godowns have been damaged as on 1.8.2010. These figures do not include the amount of foodgrains which were damaged in other States.
(3.) Procurement of adequate foodgrains is essential to provide food security and to protect the interest of the farmers. All through our anxiety has been that the procured foodgrains be properly preserved. The amount of foodgrains which cannot be preserved because of lack of storing facility, at least that much wholesome foodgrains be allocated to the BPL population forthwith.;