The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has moved about 4,42,000 metric tonnes (MT) of food grains (22,000 MT Wheat and 4,20,000 MT rice) during the 25 days of countrywide lockdown to North Eastern states.
FCI used 158 train loads, double its normal average of about 80 train loads per month to move the food grains. But as not all areas of the Northeast have rail access, of the total 86 depots operated by FCI in the seven North Eastern States, only 38 are connected through rail. Meghalaya is entirely connected through roads and only 2 depots out of 13 in Arunachal Pradesh are connected through rail. Manipur is supported by road movement from Dimapur railhead in Nagaland. FCI has been using both the rail and road routes to ensure that food grain reaches every part of North East India.
During 25 days of lockdown, a quantity of about 33,000 MT food grains was transported to Meghalaya from Assam by road, almost 2.5 times the normal monthly average of 14,000 MT, an official statement said.
Similarly, a quantity of about 11,000 MT was moved to Arunachal Pradesh by road at almost double the normal monthly average of 7,000 MT. A quantity of about 14,000 MT was moved from Dimapur (Nagaland) to Manipur by road, in addition to moving 8,000 MT stocks within Manipur to various depots from Jiribam Railhead.
“Despite several challenges, continuous supply of food grains could be ensured for all states of North East and a quantity of 3.51 lakh MT food grains have been distributed to respective state governments in 25 days of lockdown, including 1.74 lakh MT under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY)”, the statement said.
Here is a state-wise break-up of the food grains moved to each state of Northeast:
• Assam: 2,16,000 MT
• Arunachal Pradesh: 17,000 MT
• Meghalaya: 38,000 MT
• Manipur: 18,000 MT
• Mizoram: 14,000 MT
• Nagaland: 14,000 MT
• Tripura: 33,000 MT
Photo credit: @irvpaswan
