A New India

Chapter 126: Laying the Foundation for the Food Corporation of India

It was Late 1953, the world was still full of problems that they were finding it hard to solve and India was not different.

Rohan was busy dealing with NSG, CISF, Ceylon Crisis, Appointment of new beaurcrats, Economic Development and diplomatic talks with others on Nucelar, Border and more trades.

During this he thought about various things and plan he can implement to improve the system and development progress of India.

But later realised with already 2 New Organisation established, if he pushed for more then there would be big problem in finances

So after giving it a lot of thought, he finally found something that is important and sustainable.

Something that can solve a big problem while also allowing Rohan to continue developing.

That is why in between the Chaos of all this, he called for a cabinet meeting.

The cabinet meeting initially had been focused on the progress of the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) and the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Rohan, sat at the head of the table, listening as Vikram Pratap, the IPS officer overseeing the CISF and Academy, provided updates.

"We're on track," Vikram said, flipping through his notes. "The industrial replicas are almost complete, and the firefighting training units should be ready soon. The first batch of recruits is adapting well. In no time we will perfect this system"

Harish Patel, the Finance Minister, frowned slightly, flipping through his own documents.

"The costs are adding up, Vikram. We've already gone over budget. Are we sure the additional expenses are necessary?"

Rohan intervened calmly. "We can't cut corners on this. We're talking about protecting key infrastructure, Harish. If we want to avoid disasters, we need to make sure the CISF is fully prepared. It is better to spend money here then repairing our sabotaged industries"

Mira Chaudhary, the Education Minister, chimed in. "This could be a model for other sectors. If we can train recruits with industry specific skills, we could apply the same approach in education. We need to focus on specialized knowledge for the future."

Rohan nodded but felt the meeting needed to shift.

The CISF was crucial, but there was another matter on his mind, now seeing that it's time to introduce the idea for which he called this cabinet meeting.

"Before we move on," Rohan said, placing his hands on the table, "I want to introduce a new proposal. Something we've needed for a long time, and it's essential if we want to secure the future of our people."

The room quieted as Rohan reached into his briefcase and pulled out a thick stack of papers, neatly bound.

He placed it in front of him, the title on the cover clear: Food Corporation of India Proposal.

The ministers glanced at one another, curiosity spreading across their faces.

They understood the meaning of the name but what it entails is the bigger question.

Because in the span of few months 2 new organisation have been added and both of these organisations have suprised everyone.

"I'm proposing the creation of the Food Corporation of India (FCI)" Rohan said, his voice steady.

"A national body that will manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains. This will ensure food security for every citizen, while also protecting our farmers from market fluctuations."

The room went silent, the ministers processing what he had just said.

Inder Kumar, the newly appointed Agriculture Minister, was the first to speak.

"A national food body?" Inder asked, leaning forward. "How would that work, Sir? What are you proposing exactly?"

Rohan nodded and opened the document in front of him.

"The FCI will operate on three main pillars: procurement, storage, and distribution. We'll purchase crops directly from farmers at a minimum support price to ensure they're paid fairly. No more exploitation by middlemen. This will stabilize the agricultural market."

Inder seemed intrigued. "So, the government would guarantee a price for staple crops? How would this impact local traders and markets?"

"The FCI won't eliminate private traders," Rohan explained. "It will provide an alternative. Farmers can sell to the FCI if they want a guaranteed price, or they can continue to sell on the open market. The goal is to give them a choice and some stability."

Harish Patel, focused on the finances, asked the obvious question. "This sounds expensive. Building such a system from the ground up, warehouses, grain silos, distribution networks, where will the funding come from?"

Rohan was prepared for this. "We'll start with government funding and secure loans from the Agricultural Development Bank. We'll also look for partnerships with private firms to help with the construction and management of storage facilities. This will require investment upfront, but it will pay off in the long run."

Harish went through the financial section of the proposal. "And you believe this will be sustainable?"

"Yes," Rohan replied.

"With proper infrastructure, we can reduce food waste, which currently costs us millions. The storage facilities we build will preserve the grain we procure. We lose too much to spoilage right now. The FCI will make sure that food reaches those who need it."

Mira Chaudhary tapped her pen against the table thoughtfully.

"And what about educating the farmers? They'll need to know how to work within this system, understand how to sell to the FCI and how it benefits them."

Rohan smiled slightly.

"I've accounted for that. We'll set up educational outreach programs in farming communities, teaching them how to engage with the FCI. We'll also educate them on improving crop yields and sustainable farming techniques. This is about building knowledge, not just infrastructure."

Mira nodded in approval, seeing how this could also tie into her goals for expanding education beyond traditional subjects.

Leela Kapoor, the Health Minister, chimed in next. "Sir, this sounds promising, but how will this affect nutrition? Will the FCI focus only on staples like rice and wheat, or will it include other food items that can improve public health?"

"Initially, we'll focus on staples," Rohan answered. "But once the system is running efficiently, we'll expand to include pulses, vegetables, and other nutritious food items. This will help ensure that not only are people fed, but they're fed well. It's part of the long-term vision."

Inder Kumar tapped the table thoughtfully. Read new tales at m-vl-em,pyr

"The farmers are going to need time to adjust. They've relied on middlemen for decades. We'll need to show them that this system works, that it will protect their livelihoods and give them a better deal."

Rohan nodded in agreement. "That's why we start small. We'll begin in high-production states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. We'll set up storage facilities and procurement centers in those regions first. Once we have proof that the system works, we'll expand."

Inder leaned back, thoughtful. "And the storage facilities? You mentioned modern technology."

Rohan flipped to the section of the proposal detailing storage. "We'll use modern grain silos and warehouses. These will be strategically placed near farming hubs and transportation routes. The key is to prevent the kind of spoilage we've been seeing. Too much food goes to waste before it ever reaches the people who need it."

Harish spoke after thinking for sometime

"Sir, the logistics of this are massive. You're talking about moving grain across the country. How will we ensure efficient distribution?"

Rohan turned to the distribution section of the document. "We'll work with the Ministry of Railways and Infrastructure. Dedicated freight corridors will be built for transporting food from surplus regions to areas with shortages. We need a system that moves food quickly and efficiently, minimizing delays."

Harish nodded, impressed by the level of detail. "That's going to require a lot of coordination across ministries."

"Exactly," Rohan agreed. "That's why we'll involve everyone from the start. The FCI will work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Railways. This is a national effort, and it needs to be treated as such."

Harish Patel leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "This will set a new precedent in India. If we can pull this off, we'll not only ensure food security but also stabilize the agricultural sector for generations."

The room grew quiet again, but this time it wasn't because of skepticism it was because everyone understood, what was being proposed.

They all knew that Rohan's vision wasn't just another government scheme.

It was a plan to reshape India's relationship with its farmers and its food supply.

Menon finally broke the silence. "Alright, Sir. I think we can move forward with this. We'll need input from the other ministries, but it sounds like you've already thought through most of it."

Rohan gave a small nod. "I'll work with the Ministry of Agriculture and the others to finalize the draft. We can begin laying the groundwork immediately."

Leela Kapoor smiled slightly. "You always come with something big, Sir."

Rohan smiled back. "It's not about big ideas, Leela. It's about solving the problems that matter most."