The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has said that Belagavi district still does not have enough storage space for foodgrains. This information was shared in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question by MP Iranna Kadadi.
Belagavi Still Has Less Storage
The Ministry shared the current storage capacity available in Belagavi district.
However, even with these facilities, the Centre admitted that the storage space is not enough as per the latest assessment.
Storage Expansion Across Karnataka
As of 1 November 2025:
Karnataka has 10.44 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of covered storage capacity with FCI (both owned and hired).
A 25,000 MT wheat silo in Bengaluru has been working since 2008.
Six new storage depots are being built under FCI’s Asset Monetisation Plan at Raichur, Bellary, Bommapur, Tavarekoppa, Kushalnagar, and Maddur.
Upgradation Work at Belagavi Depot
The 24,000 MT FCI depot in Belagavi is currently being upgraded.
The work includes:
Replacing old asbestos sheets with new PPGI colour-coated sheets
Painting godowns and related buildings
Converting the remaining 25% of the internal road from bitumen to cement concrete (approval already given)
Out of 12 compartments, roof sheet replacement in 11 compartments is already completed.
Procurement of Jowar and Millets
Regarding the purchase of Jowar and other millets under MSP:
MSP for coarse grains is the same across India
Procurement is done by state agencies
Foodgrains enter the Central Pool only after Karnataka sends proposals and gets approval from the Centre
Fortified Rice in PDS
The Centre confirmed:
Fortified rice is already
being supplied in Karnataka under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes.
The Union Cabinet (Oct 2024) has approved continuing fortified rice distribution as a fully funded Central government scheme till December 2028.
