India, the world’s second largest wheat producer, banned wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices. (Shutterstock)
Piyush Goyal says wheat procurement has begun and figures for first week of procurement are ‘very’ satisfactory
Union minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the ban on wheat exports will continue as India has to ensure adequate supply of the food grain for its domestic market and keep inflation in check. He said wheat procurement has started and the figures for the first week of procurement are ‘very’ satisfactory.
“I could believe that we would have a good harvest despite the unseasonal rains… We believe that we have to ensure adequate supply for the Indian market and once the procurement period is over, we believe that it will be important That inflation is also inherent in the country and therefore it is important that the ban on wheat exports continues, Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister told reporters here.
He is here on a two-day visit to meet leaders and businesses to enhance economic ties between India and Italy.
India, the world’s second largest wheat producer, banned wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices.
Ashok K Meena, chairman and managing director of state-owned Food Corporation of India (FCI), has recently said that higher wheat production projected this year will ensure adequate supply in the Indian market for both government procurement and general consumption.
The government has projected a record production of 112.18 million tonnes of wheat in the 2023-24 crop year (July-June), according to the agriculture ministry’s second estimate.
On April 1, there will be 84 lakh tonnes of wheat stock in FCI godowns.
FCI is the nodal agency of the government which procures and distributes food grains for PDS (Public Distribution System) and welfare schemes.
Besides this, the Center has relaxed quality norms for wheat procurement in Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Rajasthan to prevent distress sales as well as protect the interests of farmers.
The recent unseasonal rains, hailstorm and strong wind in some parts of these states damaged the standing wheat crop, which was ready for harvesting. These state governments had sought relaxation in procurement norms.
Wheat procurement is currently underway in Madhya Pradesh, while it has been delayed in other states due to unseasonal rains. State-owned Food Corporation of India (FCI) procures wheat in collaboration with state agencies.
Subodh Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary in the Union Food Department, said, “After a field survey, we have relaxed the quality norms for wheat procurement in Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and Rajasthan, to reduce the hardship of farmers and increase the availability of wheat.” Distress sales can be avoided.” the ministry said on March 11.
The Center has asked these state governments to deduct the price imposed from the minimum support price of Rs 2,125 per quintal while paying farmers.
The government has procured 13.20 lakh tonnes of wheat till April 10 of the current marketing year 2023-24 (April-March), mostly from Madhya Pradesh. According to Food Ministry data, around 1,000 tonnes of wheat has been procured in Punjab while 88,000 tonnes in Haryana during the same period.
Asked about the lower procurement in Punjab and Haryana, the official said, “The procurement was delayed due to unseasonal rains. The arrival was not much and hence the purchase has not been much. However, in the next few days, wheat procurement will pick up in both these states. achieved in the last year.
Last year, due to heat wave and unseasonal rains, there was a drop in wheat procurement due to a slight drop in production. However, this year production is estimated to reach a record 112.2 million tonnes.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)
