(a) whether the Union Government has initiated steps to formulate a
comprehensive food policy in view of instability in production of foodgrains;
(b) if so, the details thereof as on date; and
(c) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
(a) whether the Union Government has initiated steps to formulate a
comprehensive food policy in view of instability in production of foodgrains;
(b) if so, the details thereof as on date; and
(c) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)
(a), (b) & (c): The Government has a comprehensive food policy under
which Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations are carried out by the
Government agencies (Food Corporation of India and State agencies)
in districts all over the country where there is marketable surplus
of foodgrains. Farmers have the option to sell their produce at MSP or
in the open market, as is advantageous to them. This policy ensures that
farmers get remunerative prices for their produce. This also enables the
Government to procure foodgrains for servicing the Targeted Public Distribution
System (TPDS) and welfare schemes. Maintenance of a buffer stock of foodgrains
to ensure food security is also one of the important objective of food policy.