Organisers

The Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India is the main agency of the Union Government for formulation of policies concerning the foodgrains and related commodities in their procurement, storage, movement and distribution. The Department also implements the scheme of minimum support price to the producers of wheat, paddy and coarse grains and the distribution of foodgrains from the Central Pool. The main functions of the department are: Formulation and implementation of national policies on procurement, movement, storage and distribution of wheat, rice and coarse grains, Import and export of wheat, rice and coarse grains, Policy and planning for Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Buffer stocking policy and matters relating to food security, quality control of wheat, rice and coarse grains procured, stored and distributed by various public agencies in the country, Storage facilities for the maintenance of central reserves of wheat, rice and coarse grains, Research and dissemination of the techniques of scientific storage etc. One of the main functions of the department is administration of food subsidy relating to wheat, rice, coarse grain, sugar and edible oil. The department also undertakes the exercise to fix statutory minimum support price for sugar cane, price of levy sugar and its distribution through PDS. It also overseas price control and inter-state trade in oilseeds and edible oil. Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) are the two important Public Sector Units under the administrative control of the Department which assist in implementing various policies relating to procurement, storage, movement and distribution of foodgrains in the country.

Central Warehousing Corporation was established during March 1957 by Govt. Of India under an Act of Parliament. The prime objective of the Corporation is to provide scientific storage facility for agricultural inputs and produces, besides other notified commodities. CWC setting out to realize its goal as a National Storage Agency, posted several achievements in its journey and never looked back. Today, as a result of its scintillating performance, there are 495 warehouses with 99.07 lakh MT capacity throught out India. Besides, through the State Warehousing Corporations, another network of 1576 warehouses with 187.29 lakh MT capacity is also being operated. CWC is the leading player in warehousing / Logistics business, providing tailor made infrastructural facilities to its diversified clientele groups.75 custom bonded warehouses, 3 Air Cargo Complexes, 35 Container Freight Stations / Inland Clearance Depots are in service of the Exim trade. CWC serves the farmers of the country by training them in post harvest technology, subsidized storage facility et al. Pest Control Services are also being provided to a range of clients. CWC has been certified for ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 Certifications and is now going for OHSAS Certification. It is a Schedule “B” Miniratna Organization. It has formed a Joint Venture company in National Multicommodity Exchange and a subsidiary company, Central Railside Warehouse Company to promote rail-cargo warehousing in the country. CWC has of late been undertaking Container Train movement for the domestic cargo. It has also been managing warehouses abroad at Monte Video and Philippines. Thus in public sector, CWC has carved its niche in a glorious manner, setting an impeccable example, surging ahead well past 50 years !

Food Corporation of India was set up under the Food Corporation Act, 1964 to safeguard the interest of farmers through Effective Price Support, distribute foodgrains throughout the country under Public Distribution system and maintain Buffer stocks of foodgrains to ensure National Food Security.

In over 40 years of service to the Nation, F.C.I. has maintained regular supply of foodgrains throughout the year and helped to stabilize prices of wheat and rice in the country.

Set up in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest Apex business organisation of India. With a nationwide membership of 500 Chambers and Business associations, FICCI espouses the shared vision of Indian businesses. It is the rallying point for Indian and overseas businessmen and investors. It aims at promoting business and government interface, which is critical for resolving issues and for speeding up the reform process. FICCI maintains the lead as the proactive business solution-provider through research, interactions at the highest political level and global networking. FICCI has done a commendable amount of work in the field on Agriculture. FICCI has a strong and vibrant Agriculture Task Force, Chaired by Mr P M Sinha. Over the past seven years, Task Force has been working strongly on specific areas of agriculture, with a view to increase the income of farmers, farm productivity and make Indian agriculture globally competitive. FICCI has made series of Presentations on Priority Areas for Agri Policy Reforms / Investments before the Former Prime Minister of India, Union Ministers, Former Members of Parliament, Former and present Members of Planning Commission, State Chief Ministers, Senior Government officials, Private Sector etc.