Question : RELEASE OF FOODGRAINS



(a) whether the Government has received suggestions to release foodgrains into the market from its godowns to check their increasing prices in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto along with the quantum of foodgrains likely to be released in the market;

(c) the percentage of foodgrains likely to be stored as strategic/buffer stock;

(d) whether any assessment has been made in regard to likely fall in the prices of foodgrains as a result of the said measures; and

(e) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a)&(b): Yes Madam. Requests have been received from Governments of Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu for allocation under Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) Retail. Details are as follows-


State Request for allocation Request for allocation of wheat under OMSS(D) of rice under OMSS(D)
Jharkhand 2000 tonnes 9000 tonnes
Tamil Nadu 0 75000 tonnes

Under OMSS bulk and retail scheme, 70 lakh tonnes of wheat and 5 lakh tonnes of rice was allocated for the period November, 2012 to March, 2013. However, at present there is no proposal under consideration for making allocations under OMSS.

(c): As on 1.4.2013, details of foodgrains stock available in the Central Pool against the buffer and strategic reserve norms are as follows-

(fig in lakh tonnes)
Central Pool Stocks Buffer norm on Strategic reserve norm as on 1.4.2013 1.4.2013 as on 1.4.2013
Wheat 242.07 40 30

Rice 354.68 122 20

(d): No Madam

(e): Does not arise