The Indian National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development prepares for additional storage capacity in anticipation of the Food Security Act. It aims to build 10,000 warehouses at the panchayat, or village, level this fiscal year, which will require an investment equivalent to nearly $8 million. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/new-food-law-nabard-to-build-10k-warehouses-in-panchayats/article5107238.ece
Industry, Government Must Collaborate to Boost Food Security: Tariq Anwar
While speaking at a day-long summit on food safety, Indian Minister of State for Food Processing Industries urged industry and government to collaborate to achieve food security and safety. Anwar stressed the importance of efficient postharvest management and quality control to reduce waste and contamination in food along the supply chain. http://www.fnbnews.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=34296§ionid=1
Two More Mills Found To Be Involved in Paddy Embezzlement
A corruption case in Punjab, India that was opened in July against two rice millers now includes two more. State officials say that millers have allegedly embezzled paddy worth over $1.1 million. http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Bathinda/Two-more-mills-found-to-be-involved-in-pady-embezzlement/SP-Article1-1116938.aspx
US Expertise Can Resolve Food Wastage Issues
US Congressman Ami Bera advocates for collaboration between the US and India on postharvest loss issues. Bera worked towards a MOU when recently in Delhi, focused on bringing US expertise to India on how to better manage, store, and move food to market. http://ht.ly/oqaQN
Are Mobile Phones Helping Farmers?
Mobile phones are increasingly cited as a game changing tool in rural development and agricultural extension. A survey by CIMMYT, however, finds that information provided via mobile is often generic and limited. Experts say dynamic databases of individualized data are needed to make the information useful and effective. http://blog.cimmyt.org/?p=11074
India Approves Food Bill to Subsidize Grain for Poor
The bill will become law if approved by the upper house of the Indian national assembly, the Rajya Sabha. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/27/india-food-bill-grain-poor
17,000 Tonnes of Grain Wasted in 3 Years
A Times of India report states that at least 17,546 tonnes of foodgrains were damaged between 2009-10 and July 2012 in Food Corporation of India godowns. The total food loss of foodgrains, fruits, and vegetables equates to nearly $7 billion per year, estimated to be able to feed 70 million Indians. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-08-26/news/41455227_1_storage-capacity-foodgrain-tonnes
Food Bill is Biggest Mistake India Might Have Made Til Date
“The basic point is that food security will turn out to be a fairly expensive proposition for India.” http://www.firstpost.com/economy/food-bill-is-the-biggest-mistake-india-might-have-made-till-date-1062841.html
Food Security Bill Can Feed Its People, Says Sonia Gandhi
In response to skepticism about sufficient resources, Sonia Gandhi responds that feeding India’s people is not a question of how, it is a must. http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/food-security-bill-india-can-feed-its-people-says-sonia-gandhi_871758.html
Lok Sabha Passes Food Bill
The lower house of the Indian national assembly approved the ambitious and controversial National Food Security Bill on Monday, August 26th, 2013, after nine hours of debate. If made law, the legislation will legally entitle 67% of the population to receive subsidized grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lok-sabha-passes-food-security-bill/article5062126.ece