The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has issued 2.75 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of rice valued at Rs 1025 crore to the Jharkhand Government free of cost under Pradhan Manatri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme till May 10. During the same period 2.82 LMT of food grains has also been issued under National Food Safety Act (NFSA).
The Government of India in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic has been providing food grains free of cost under the PMGKAY to the poor people having valid ration cards. Under the scheme, about 120 LMT food grains are being distributed among the vulnerable sections of society who have been affected by pandemic. The scheme shall benefit around 80 crore people of India. Around 1.32 LMT of Rice per month has been allotted for Jharkhand State for three months from April 20 to June 20, which will be distributed among 2.63 crore NFSA beneficiaries. A total quantity of foodgrains supplied by FCI, Jharkhand Region to State Government during the lockdown period for distribution under various scheme is about 5.63 LMT. Further, to reach the poor migrant Iabour and vulnerable group during the lockdown period, FCI is encouraging the NGOs or Charitable organisations to purchase Rice and Wheat at Rs 21 to 22 per Kg respectively for undertaking relief operations for the groups. Around 5,500 MT Rice has also been supplied to State Government under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) for distribution among the non-NFSA vulnerable group at Rs. 22.50 per Kg.
While taking care of the needy people through regular supply of food grains, equal attention is also being given to protect the interest of the farmers by undertaking procurement of paddy in the State during ongoing Kharif Marketing Season 2019-20. Till May 10, a quantity of 3.30 LMT paddy has been procured for the Central Pool from 47343 farmers at the rate of Rs 2000 per quintal.
During this pandemic period, Central Government, FCI and Jharkhand Government are closely working together to ensure uninterrupted supply of food grains to the vulnerable group.