FCI will become more transparent and efficient in the next 12 months. The government will use modern technology and data analytics to improve its functioning, says Piyush Goyal.
More Efficient FCI
Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, while addressing the 57th Foundation Day of FCI said that the government is working on increasing the organisation’s efficiency. Further, he urged 7,000 employees working in the FCI to pledge to strengthen the food procurement system. Also, the minister added that the government is looking ahead to adopt digital technologies, internet of things and artificial intelligence to modernise the operations of FCI. Besides, Goyal urged staff to work in mission mode and not take their job as a regular job. Mentioning a third-party audit report, the minister highlighted 94% satisfaction level among 80 crore beneficiaries under the food law.
Government Committed To Serve Farmers
Highlighting the government’s efforts for farmers’ benefits, he assured that the MSP procurement system would continue. Further, he appreciated FCI’s efforts in distributing food grains across the country National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana during the lockdown. Also, he explained that FCI serves as a bridge between farmers and consumers and is committed to serving both.
FCI procurement system will expand and MSP will continue- Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal’s assurance over MSP has come amid the protests being held at Delhi border against the three contentious farm laws. Thousands of farmers are sitting in cold waves in Delhi. Eight meetings have failed to end the deadlock between the government and farm unions. While the government has clarified that it will not revoke farm laws, the farm unions are firm on their demand for repealing laws. They will hold a tractor rally on the Republic Day and continue the protest until laws are repealed. The next round of discussions will take place on 19th January.
Goyal hoped that FCI would grow in the coming years and continue serving farmers and consumers in the country.