The Hindu Business Line : Rice, wheat stocks at more than buffer norm: Pawar

NEW DELHI: Allaying the fears of acute shortage of foodgrains that could disrupt Public Distribution System programme, the Government on Tuesday said the stock position of both wheat and rice is much more than the required buffer norm.

As per the current stock position, availability of wheat stands at 300 lakh tonnes against the buffer norm of 162 lakh tonnes, the Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, informed the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

Similarly, rice stock is at 172.11 lakh tonnes while buffer norm is 52 lakh tonnes, the Minister said.

“There is no shortage of foodgrains for the PDS as well as for other welfare schemes like Mid-Day meal. Ample rice and wheat is available. This was possible because of very good crop last year,’’ he said. But, the real worry is about open market availabi lity.

As the paddy crop has been less by 15 million tonnes this year so far as 299 districts went without water due to no rainfall and to ensure that prices remain under control, the Government has taken several measures including banning export and liberalisi ng imports of foodgrains.

The Centre has also provided Rs 1,000-crore special incentives to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in terms of additional diesel and power subsidy to enhance rice production during the rabi crop season. — PTI

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