The Centre has asked states to re-engineer food distribution channels and implement them in mission mode to ensure successful implementation of the Food Security Law that guarantees subsidised food grains to more than 80 crore people in the country.

Addressing a two-day conference of state food ministers and secretaries in New Delhi today, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar called for production of more foodgrains to sustain food security. He said the country should base the food security on domestic production and not on imported grains.

Stating that the food security bill is the world's largest social security programme, Mr Pawar said this is a monumental task involving production, procurement, storage, movement and distribiution.

Mr Pawar stressed on safeguarding farmers' interests by opening more procurement centres and maintaining vigil on the price being paid to the farmers by private traders.

Minister of State for Food and Public Distribution Prof.K V Thomas said one of the most critical issues for successful implementation of the food security law is the identification of beneficiaries under the Targeted Public Distribution System.

Prof Thomas said the state governments need to evolve a fair and transparent criteria with involvement of all stakeholders.