India contributes 1.5 lakh tonnes grain to SAARC Food Bank
22 Dec 2008
India has pledged to contribute 1,53,200 tonnes of foodgrains (rice or wheat or in combination thereof) for the SAARC Food Bank, out of initial reserves of 2,43,000 tonnes to promote collective self-reliance of SAARC members with respect to food security.
The share of each SAARC country in the Food Bank is as given below:
| Afghanistan | 1,420 tonnes |
| Bangladesh | 40,000 tonnes |
| Bhutan | 180 tonnes |
| India | 1,53,200 tonnes |
| Maldives | 200 tonnes |
| Nepal | 4,000 tonnes |
| Pakistan | 40,000 tonnes |
| Sri Lanka | 4,000 tonnes |
| Total | 2,43,000 tonnes |
The SAARC Food Bank has become operational with the first meeting of SAARC Food Bank Board held on 15-16 October 2008.
This information was given by Akhilesh Prasad Singh, minister of state for agriculture, consumer affairs, food & public distribution, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.