Question : IMPORT OF WHEAT

(a) the targets and actual production, procurement, stock and import of wheat recorded during the current year;

(b) whether the Government has fuiled to achieve the targets fixed for procurement and imports;

(c) if so, the details and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government proposes to purchase wheat from open market for Public Distribution System and import more wheat during the current year;

(e) if so, the details regarding the quantum, landing price and schedule of such .imports and purchases;

(f) whether the Government relaxed quality specifications to encourage private companies for imports;

(g) if so, the number of bids received alongwith the name of the exporting companies and the countries;

(h) whether bids from various countries have been examined; and

(i)if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAW AR)

(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) &
(i):

A Statement is laid on the 1able of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO
(i) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 18 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 24.07.2006 IN THE LOK SABRA

(a): The production of wheat in crop year 2005-06 is 69.48 million tonnes (as per the 4111 Advance Estimate) against a target of 75.53 million tonnes. The procurement of wheat in Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2006-07 is 92.2 lakh tonnes. The stocks of wheat in the Central Pool as on 1 st July, 2006 is 82.071akh tonnes. The import of wheat in 2006-07, so far has been, 0.921akh tonnes.

(b) & (c):. As. the procurement by Government agencies under MSPoperations is open-ended, no target is fixed. However, based on estimates given by Food Secretaries of wheat procuring States the procurement of wheat by the FC! and State Government agencies in RMS 2006-07 was estimated to be 1621akh tonnes. The low level of procurement of wheat was on account of high ruling open market prices, lower than the targeted production of wheat, negative market sentiments, low market arrivals and more active participation by private traders. 0.92 MTs of imported wheat has already arrived and the shipment schedule for the remaining 34.08 lakh MTs, as intimated by the STC, New Delhi, is between July, 2006 to January, 2007.

(d): There is no proposal at present to purchase wheat ftom the open market Imports of wheat will take place to the extent required to maintain the prescribed buffer norm and meet the commitments under the TPDS and other Welfure Schemes.

(e): The details of import of wheat contracted are given in Annexure 1

(f): To ensure wider participation of prospective bidders, the Government has relaxed quality specifications for import.

(g), (h) & (i): Yes, Sir. Bids received from suppliers of various countries were examined and offers found valid and competitive have been accepted for supply of wheat.