In a bid to augment sufficient food stocks in the country by increasing productivity, the government is planning to bring in the key features of the national food security mission and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana under the proposed Act’s ambit.

Proposals related to overhauling the food grains storage capacity of the Food Corporation of India and mandating the states to hike their investment in agriculture to the tune of four per cent of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) are also being actively considered to be included in the Bill. According to initial estimates, nearly Rs 600 crore would be required to overhaul the storage capacity of some of FCI’s major godowns, they pointed out.

Another ticklish issue while finalising the Bill is ensuring adequate buffer stocks to meet the year-round requirements. It may happen that in a given year certain states could witness drought-like situations, compelling the government to resort to imports. “All these aspects will have to be closely looked into before it is given the final shape,� sources reasoned.