The Rajya Sabha has taken up a short duration discussion on the problem of storage of food grains in the country. Initiating a discussion, Mr Shanta Kumar of BJP suggested that the government should offer 6 months ration at one go to the eligible consumers to overcome the shortage of space in the godowns. He suggested that rice and wheat should be offered two rupees less per kilogramm as an incentive to the ration card holders.

Expressing concern over the problem of storage facilities, Mr Shanta Kumar said the country's food grains production is expected to touch over 800 lakh tonnes this year as against the present storage capacity of 460 lakh tonnes. He also suggested export of excessive food grains. He said these measures will help to protect the food grains from getting damaged under the open sky.

Echoing similar views, Dr Prabha Thakur of the Congress underlined the need for protecting the interests of the farmers and the general public. She said UPA government has been making concerted efforts to create more storage facilities for food grains under various schemes. She expressed concern over the shortage of gunny bags and asked the government to take effective steps.

The discussion is on.