Govt’s foodgrain stocks rises by 26% at 82.32 million tonne

The government's foodgrain stocks stood at 82.32 million tonnes (MT) as of June 01, 2012, compared to 65.37 MT in the year-ago period, which shows a rise of about 26 percent. As per the report released by Food Corporation of India (FCI), as of June 01, 2012, the stocks of wheat rose to 48.97 MT from 37.83 MT in the same period last year.

Similarly, rice stocks rose to 32.14 MT from 27.64 MT in the same period. The wheat and rice reserves with the government are, however, over double than the required norm as of July 1, mainly on the back of record production and procurement of grains. The strategic and buffer stock of wheat and rice by June 30 should be 31.9 MT, as per government norms. Out of 31.9 MT, 26.9 MT includes buffer stock and another 5 MT as strategic reserve.

Besides, the country is poised for an all time record harvest of rice and wheat at 103.41 MT and 90.23 MT, respectively, in the 2011-12 crop year (July-June). FCI, the nodal agency that undertakes procurement and distribution of foodgrains, has maintained maximum foodgrain stocks in northern and southern parts of the country.