Question : PROCUREMENT OF CEREALS



(a) the cereals procured by the Government during the last three years;

(b) whether the cereal procurement has declined during the current year; and

(c) if so, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION ( SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA )

(a): The quantities of wheat, rice and coarse cereals procured during the last three years are as under:-

(Qty. in lakh tonnes)
Marketing Year Rice Coarse cereals Wheat (Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi)
2000-01 212.80 6.51 163.55 2001-02 221.29 3.15 206.30 2002-03# 160.30 0.60 190.24 2003-04# 158.02
# As on 22.7.2003


(b): Yes, Sir.

(c): The major factors contributing to lesser procurement in the current Kharif/Rabi Marketing Season are drought conditions in most of the paddy producing States, fall in production of foodgrains and open market prices ruling at par or higher than the Minimum Support Prices.