Nurungukal..2..contd..

    As an advent of Green Revolution there was a spurt in the need of warehouses managed on scientific lines. The slogan “a grain preserved is a grain produced” became true when the loss in storage was reduced in our warehouses due to the concerted efforts of the staff. More over every unit was considered as a cost centre and monthly reviews revealed the status. The transactions were transparent and systematic. The individual responsibilities were clearly defined as in Railways. Above all the top management had a clear cut and time bound vision to be executed. Thus Central Warehousing Corporation became the trusted national agency for storage. There was a setback when a parallel body was formed to accommodate the additional food grain production in the country. But it did not deter the management  to go ahead with expansion programme since the scope was very large due to diversification of its activities. Even though there was material progress, the basic function of warehouses i.e; to avoid the distress sale by the farmers was not fully complied with. The warehouses remained beyond the reach of  rural farmers. To that extent CWC is keeping away from a social commitment. On the contrary the services are exploited by a hand full of traders [middle men ]. Although this issue was discussed at various forums, no effective solution has been evolved yet. Being a farmer now, I feel that this burning issue, distress sale, among many others, has to be addressed if we intend for a sustainable agrarian economy.......contd...