Question : SALE IN OPEN MARKET

(a) whether the Government has allocated wheat and rice under the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS) in view of surplus stocks;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the buffer norms and actual stock during 2013-14 along with the targets fixed and achieved for release of foodgrains during the year;

(c) whether the Government has made any arrangements for storage of fresh arrivals in view of surplus carry-over stock due to low offtake under OMSS; and

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): In order to check rise in prices of food grains in open market and to offload surplus stocks of foodgrains from Central Pool, under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)] for 2013-14, 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. Similarly, 5 lakh tonnes of rice has been approved for sale to States/ UTs for distribution to retail consumers. As per buffer and strategic reserve norms, as on 1st October, 72 lakh tonnes of rice and 140 lakh tonnes of wheat should be available in Central Pool. Against this norm, as on 01.10.2013, 190.33 lakh tonnes of rice and 361.00 lakh tonnes of wheat were available in Central Pool. In addition to allocation under OMSS(D), Government has also allowed export of 20 lakh tonnes of wheat on 8.8.2013 from the Central Pool through CPSUs to liquidate surplus stocks. As on 9.12.2013 a quantity of 19.35 MT of wheat and 0.68 lakh MT of rice has been sold under OMSS(D).

(c) & (d): Under Private Entrepreneurs Guarantee (PEG) Scheme, a capacity of 203.76 lakh MT has been approved for construction of godowns at various locations in 19 States to store foodgrains procured for Central Pool. Out of this, tenders have been sanctioned for a capacity of 113.26 lakh MT and a capacity of 82 Lakh MT has already been completed. In addition arrangements have been made to evacuate stocks available in surplus procuring States to deficit States to create storage space in procuring States for fresh procurement.