Podcast
Questions and Answers
When was the Food Corporation of India (FCI) established?
When was the Food Corporation of India (FCI) established?
Which commodities were initially under FCI's purview when it was created?
Which commodities were initially under FCI's purview when it was created?
What year did FCI start operations focused on broader areas like procurement management and transportation?
What year did FCI start operations focused on broader areas like procurement management and transportation?
What was the primary objective of FCI when it was established?
What was the primary objective of FCI when it was established?
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Which operation began in 1981 for FCI in terms of price stabilization?
Which operation began in 1981 for FCI in terms of price stabilization?
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How many commodities does the Food Corporation of India manage now?
How many commodities does the Food Corporation of India manage now?
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What measures were introduced in 2004 under the Public Distribution System reforms?
What measures were introduced in 2004 under the Public Distribution System reforms?
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What impact did automation have on the Food Corporation of India in the late 2010s?
What impact did automation have on the Food Corporation of India in the late 2010s?
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How many warehouses does the Food Corporation of India operate across India?
How many warehouses does the Food Corporation of India operate across India?
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What is the approximate annual transaction value of the Food Corporation of India?
What is the approximate annual transaction value of the Food Corporation of India?
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What percentage of total wheat production does the Food Corporation of India manage approximately?
What percentage of total wheat production does the Food Corporation of India manage approximately?
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Study Notes
A Brief History of Food Corporation of India (FCI)
Founded during India's Green Revolution over six decades ago, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is an integral part of the country's agricultural ecosystem. Established in October 1965 by the Government of India, FCI aimed to address food security challenges and alleviate widespread hunger following tragic famines like those witnessed in Bengal in the mid-twentieth century.
The initial concept of establishing an agency dedicated to acquiring surplus grains from farmers after harvest emerged amidst growing concerns about food scarcity and price volatility within Indian markets. At its creation, just three commodities were under FCI’s purview—rice, wheat, and sugar—although now it manages multiple other products such as maize, millet, pulses, and edible oils.
Key Milestones in FCI's Evolution:
- 1965 — FCI established as a Central Public Sector Undertaking with objectives focused on procuring grain surpluses, maintaining strategic stocks, regulating supply and distribution, and ensuring adequate availability throughout the year.
- 1981 — Price stabilization operations began through centralized purchase and sale mechanisms.
- Early 1990s — Operations expanded into broader areas of procurement management, storage, transportation, quality control, and market intelligence gathering.
- 2004 — Public Distribution System reforms introduced new measures such as Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), which prioritized food aid delivery to vulnerable communities based on specific criteria.
- Late 2010s — As per Economic Survey 2017-18, automation was implemented across various sectors of FCI, leading to improved productivity and resource optimization.
Today, FCI remains one of the largest foodgrain handling organizations globally, operating more than 500 warehouses spanning all states and union territories of India. With annual transactions exceeding $3 billion USD and managing approximately half of total wheat production, this government entity continues playing an essential role in mitigating economic disparities while promoting self-reliance in the nation's agriculture sector.
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Description
Discover the journey of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from its inception during India's Green Revolution to becoming a crucial player in the country's agricultural landscape. Explore key milestones in FCI's development, its role in ensuring food security, and its significant contributions to India's public distribution system.
