(a) whether reports by some reputed agencies have indicated a major global shortage of
foodgrains during 2008-09;
(b) if so, whether any assessment has been made regarding its impact on food security in
the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken to maintain adequate stock of foodgrains in the country?
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) & (d): Though India is not listed as one of the 37 countries facing food crisis
as per FAO`s Report No.2 (April 2008) as also by International Grains Council - Grain Market Report
(GMR 376 dated 28.3.2008), the Government after due assessment, have in all initiated various
remedial steps to ensure adequate availability of food stocks in the country and ensure that food
security in the country remain sacrosanct. These steps, inter alia, broadly are
(i) Fiscal Measures
- reduction of tariffs to zero for rice, wheat, pulses, edible oils and maize, to 7.5% on hydrogenated
oils and vegetable oils, to 30% on butter and ghee and withdrawing 4% additional CVD on edible oils.
(ii) Administrative Measures like banning of exports of non-basmati rice, wheat, major edible oils,
major pulses, imposition of stock limits on rice, wheat, edible oils and oil seeds, periodic
enhancements in MSP for rice (Rs.645 per quintal for common rice and Rs.675 per quintal for grade
A rice) and wheat (Rs.1000 per quintal), using MEP to regulate exports of onion (currently $ 180
PMT) and basmati rice (currently $1200 PMT), maintaining CIP for rice and wheat and measures taken
by Forward Markets Commission, and
(iii) Medium Term Strategy Initiative to increase production
through investment of Rs.30,000 crores for improving productivity in agriculture and allied sectors
through (a) National Food Security Mission (Rs.4883 crores - prov.) targeted to increase production
of rice, wheat and pulses by 10 million tons, 8 million tons and 2 million tons, respectively, by
the end of Eleventh Five Year Plan and (b) Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (Rs.25000 crores).