India’s foodgrain stocks have reached 604.02 lakh tonnes, which is nearly three times higher than the mandatory buffer requirement, Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi said.
He said India’s food security framework continues to grow stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Robust wheat and rice reserves are ensuring an uninterrupted supply for welfare schemes and the Public Distribution System across the country. Strong procurement, successful harvests and sustained support for farmers continue to reinforce India’s commitment towards food security, farmer welfare and a resilient future," the ministry quoted Joshi as saying.
The ministry also said that rice stocks stood at 386.10 lakh tonnes against the required buffer level of 135.80 lakh tonnes. Wheat reserves were recorded at 217.92 lakh tonnes, higher than the prescribed norm of 74.60 lakh tonnes.
Buffer stock norms are revised every quarter by the government. The current norms came into effect from April 1, while the next revision is scheduled for July 1.
The higher stock position comes as procurement operations for the ongoing rabi marketing season continue across major producing states.
Government data showed that nearly 97% of the wheat-sown area of 334.17 lakh hectares has already been harvested. Harvesting of pulses for the season has also been completed.
Paddy harvesting was reported at 59.32 per cent. The activity is mainly underway in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Government agencies are continuing procurement of wheat and rice from farmers during the ongoing season.
Official data also showed that wholesale prices of several rabi crops remained below their minimum support prices (MSP) during the week ended May 1.
Wheat prices were reported at Rs 2,530 per quintal, lower than the MSP of Rs 2,585 per quintal. Paddy prices declined 3.17% from a year ago to Rs 2,294 per quintal.
Maize prices stood at Rs 1,831 per quintal against the MSP of Rs 2,400. Prices of arhar, moong, bajra and sunflower were also trading below MSP levels.
