(a) whether the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended
that wheat stocks held by the Government may be liquidated through exports and sale in
the open market and the proceeds shared with the farmers to raise their income levels;
(b) if so, whether the Government has accepted the recommendations; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a),(b)&(c): CACP in its report on Price Policy for Kharif Crops 2013-14 has suggested
to liquidate at least 15 million tonnes of foodgrains (wheat & rice) through sale in the
domestic market or export.
In so far as export of wheat is concerned, Government on 7.3.2013 has approved sale of 50
lakh tonnes of wheat pertaining to Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2011-12 stocks inPunjab and
Haryana for export through private traders. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) floated
tenders five times, but there was no response from the private traders. Hence, this
export has not been pursued and the matter has been closed.
Export of a further quantity of 20 lakh tonnes of wheat from Central Pool through
CPSUs has also been approved on 8.8.2013.
In so far as Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)] for 2013-14 is concerned,
Government has approved allocation of 95 lakh tonnes of wheat for tender sale to bulk
consumers and sale to small private traders from FCI godowns and 5 lakh tonnes of wheat
for sale to States/ UTs / Co-operatives for distribution to retail consumers.