FCI stands for Food Corporation of India. It is a governmental agency that primarily deals with the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains in India. Established in 1965, FCI plays a vital role in maintaining an adequate buffer stock of essential commodities to ensure food security in the country.
The main objective of FCI is to support farmers by providing them with reasonable prices for their agricultural produce. It procures grains such as rice and wheat directly from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) declared by the government. FCI also ensures fair trade practices by eliminating middlemen and reducing market distortions.
Storage is another significant function of FCI. It manages a vast network of warehouses and silos to ensure proper storage of food grains across the country. These storage facilities are equipped with modern techniques like scientific storage, online monitoring, and quality control systems to maintain the integrity of the grains.
Distribution of food grains is the last step in FCI's operations. It supplies the acquired grains to the public distribution system (PDS), state governments, and other welfare schemes. FCI also plays a significant role in maintaining food security during times of crisis, emergencies, and natural disasters by releasing stored grains for distribution.
Overall, FCI is a pivotal institution that ensures food availability, accessibility, and affordability for the Indian population. Its operations contribute significantly to agricultural growth, farmer welfare, and national food security.
