Kerala - Kollam   

Proper storage facilities sought

KOLLAM: A seminar on ‘Food security,’ organised here on Monday by the Indian Society for Cultural Cooperation and Friendship (ISCUF), expressed concern at the huge loss of foodgrains in the country due to lack of storage facilities.

A statement issued here on Tuesday in this connection called for emergency measures to overcome the situation.

As per formal statistics provided by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, more than 2 crore tonnes of foodgrains produced in the country was getting destroyed, speakers noted.

This is equivalent to 10 per cent of the foodgrains produced. More than one-third of the foodgrains produced is stored in the open. Rats and birds take a considerable share from the grains stored in this manner.

In addition, the grains stand vulnerable to climatic changes, it was noted.

The statement pointed out that instead of taking steps in this connection, the Centre was blaming the States.

The seminar also pointed out that the economic policies being pursued by the Centre was extremely harmful to the interests of the farmers.

Planning Board Member K. Ramachandran Nair, economist K. Aravindakshan, ISCUF State presidium chairman K.G. Komalan and N. Anirudhan, MLA, spoke.

ISCUF State general secretary Soni B. Thengamam was the moderator. Dronacharya award winner Chandralal was honoured on the occasion.

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