(a) whether the country producing a surplus amount of wheat and production is way ahead of demand, the result being overuse of storage capacity and deterioration of quality;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to export this grain to earn revenue or distribute to the poor at subsidized rates; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI DANVE RAOSAHEB DADARAO)
(a): Total production and procurement (central pool) of wheat in the country during the last three years and current year is as under:
RMS Production
(in LMT) Procurement for central pool (in LMT)
2016-17 922.90 229.62
2017-18 985.10 308.24
2018-19 998.70 357.95
2019-20 1036.00 341.33
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Details of allotment and offtake of wheat under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Other Welfare Scheme (OWS) during the last three years are as follows:
Wheat (in LMT)
Year Allotment Offtake
2016-17 271.12 245.72
2017-18 254.70 238.07
2018-19 253.47 234.40
As on 31.01.2020, Storage capacity available with FCI and State agencies for storage of foodgrain meant for Public Distribution System/NFSA throughout the country is 752.60 Lakh MT (FCI – 408.34 LMT and State Agencies – 344.26 LMT) against the stock of 578.17 Lakh MT. Wheat Stocks available with FCI are stored in Covered godowns/ CAP (Covered and Plinth) storages and do not deteriorate due to overuse of storage capacity.
(b) and (c): Certain restrictions have been imposed in Agreement of Agriculture (AoA) under the aegis of WTO, on export of foodgrains from Public Stock Holding (PSHs) on commercial terms. However, International Food Aid (fully in grant form) as humanitarian assistance on Government to Government basis, can be provided to deserving countries under the norms of WTO, subject to certain conditions.
Further, Govt. of India through its various schemes viz. National Food Security Act(NFSA), Mid Day Meal, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, Nutrition Programme, Welfare Institutions & Hostels, Annapurna etc. has been making allotment of foodgrains to all the States/UTs at subsidised central issue prices to provide foodgrains to the targeted beneficiaries to cater to their food requirements. Under NFSA, the identified beneficiaries relating to priority group families, are issued rice, wheat and coarsegrains at a highly subsidised rate of Rs.3, 2 & 1 per kg respectively.
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