Question : PROCUREMENT AT MARKET RATES

(a) the details of the targets fixed and achieved for procurement of foodgrains during each of the last three years and the current year along with the quantum of foodgrains procured by the private traders during the said period, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government has decided to procure foodgrains at market rates for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government had prepared any policy for buying foodgrains for the PDS at market rates in order to meet the shortfall and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken to ensure remunerative price to the farmers for their produce?

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

(a), (b) (c) & (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE STARRED QUESTION NO. 289 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 11.02.2014 IN THE LOK SABHA

(a) State- wise details of the procurement estimates and actual procurement of rice and wheat for the last three years and current year are at Annexure- I. Details of market arrivals as reported by FCI and procurement by State Agencies/FCI and private traders is at Annexure-II. The record of market arrivals and purchase by private traders is maintained by Government for the procurement season only and there may be other purchases by private agencies which are not recorded by Government.

(b) &(c) There is no Government policy or decision at present to purchase foodgrains at market rates, either for the Public Distribution System(PDS) or to meet the shortfall.

(d) Steps taken to ensure remunerative price to the farmers for their produce are at Annexure- III.