(a) whether the per-capita consumption of foodgrains is declining in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to promote consumption of foodgrains and make available
adequate quantity 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): As per the National Sample Survey (NSS) 61st Round consumer expenditure data,
Report No 509 relating to Household consumption of various goods,it is observed that per capita
consumption of all cereals has marginally declined between 1993-94 and 2004-05.A statement derived
from their Report relating to Household consumption of cereals during the years 1993-94,1999–2000
and 2004-05 is Annexed.
The reasons for change in the pattern of food consumption can be attributed to a number of factors
such as changes in income,tastes and preferences,including that for processed food products,
relative prices of food items,etc.
In order to make foodgrains available for consumption to the targeted population,the Central
Government allocates foodgrains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) for 6.52
crore Below Poverty Line(BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families @ 35 kg per family per
month.Allocation for APL families is also made depending upon availability of foodgrains in the
Central Pool.These foodgrains are supplied at Central Issue Prices,which are lower than the open
market prices.
The PDS (Control) Order,2001 mandates States & UT governments to ensure proper distribution of
allocated foodgrains to the beneficiaries.
Besides the above,Government allocates foodgrains under different Welfare Schemes,which include
Annapurna Scheme,Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM),Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP),Nutritional
Programme for Adolescent Girls (NPAG),and Village Grain Bank (VGB) scheme.These schemes are
intended to make available foodgrains to the targeted population to enable them to increase their
consumption levels.