About FCI

• Food Corporation of India (FCI) is a statutory Organization under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• It was set up in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act 1964 with the primary duty to purchase, store, move/transport, distribute and sell foodgrains and other foodstuffs.
• The main objectives of FCI are
  • Procurement of food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the Government;
  • Distribution of food grains to consumers through PDS, particularly the vulnerable sections of society at affordable prices; and
  • Maintenance of buffer stock of food grains for food security and price stability.
• Thus, it is mandated to serve the interests of producers and consumers alike.

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has directed the FCI to coordinate with the States to expedite the lifting of food grains to meet urgent food requirements due to nationwide lockdown.