KOCHI: The National Food Security Bill will be presented in the Budget session of Parliament, said Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas. At a press conference in Kochi on Monday, Thomas said that the Union Government plans to keep a two-year buffer food stock.He said he would hold discussions with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on its objections to the National Food Security Bill. The bill was prepared after discussions with various states. Tamil Nadu came up with its objections at a later stage.The bill proposes schemes which would benefit about 63.5 per cent of the population, the Minister said. By April, the government is planning to introduce end-to-end computerisation for which Rs 4,000 crore has been allocated. A projected increase in production and procurement of food grains, including rice and wheat, has been estimated, the Minister said.“The production, procurement and storage would be increased in a phased manner. By 2039-40, the production would be 253.24 million tonnes, of which 82.75 tonnes would be procured. The storage capacity for 90 million tonnes is also proposed. A two-year buffer food stock is being planned as part of the bill,” he said. The financial burden due to the proposed plans will go up to Rs 90,000 crore. The bill is currently before the Standing Committee of Parliament.
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