Low response from Maharashtra, Gujarat to godowns scheme: Sharad Pawar

Maharashtra and Gujarat have given "less response" to the godown policy scheme, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar said today.

The plan for construction of godowns for food grains envisages public-private partnership basis. The godowns are being built through private entrepreneurs and government warehousing corporations.

Compared to other states, Maharashtra and Gujarat have given "less response" to the godown policy scheme, Pawar said. "This is because of land issues," he added.

The scheme was introduced after a crisis last year, to increase the storage facility of the food stock and it has proved beneficial, Pawar told reporters here.

Storage facility of food stock has increased after the special scheme was introduced last year, he said.

Under the scheme, the government rents godowns for 10 years, he said. "We give land, and anybody can build a godown with a capacity of one lakh tonne. The government will rent it for 10 years and even if there are no goods in the godown the investor will get assured income on his investment," he said.

In order to curb load shedding, power stations have to be set up, whether they are nuclear, hydro, coal-based or gas-based. No one should think of hindering the process of development, he said.

Asked about the controversy over water regulatory Bill which was modified after Congress raised objections, Pawar said there was no plan to divert water to industries and the controversy was needless. "I have worked in the state for 27 years and authority has always been with the concerned minister," he said.

Pawar said the buffer stock of wheat has increased to 180 lakh tonnes, against the requirement of 70 lakh tonnes while that of rice has increased to 220 lakh tonne, against the requirement of 100 lakh tonnes.

The production of cereals and pulses has also been good he added.