The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies have made significant progress in rice and wheat procurement in the current marketing season. The government has procured 55.8 million tonnes of rice and 26.2 million tonnes of wheat so far. This has benefited around 1.22 crore farmers, with a minimum support price (MSP) payout of Rs 1.7 lakh crore.
The procurement of wheat has surpassed the previous year’s total, reaching 26.2 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi marketing year. This indicates a robust procurement process and an increase in agricultural productivity. The combined stock of wheat and rice in government granaries has reached 57 million tonnes, ensuring an ample supply of food grains for the country.
Under the price support scheme, the FCI and state agencies procure paddy and wheat. Paddy is converted into rice through milling. So far, 83 million tonnes of paddy (equivalent to 55.8 million tonnes of rice) have been procured in the ongoing kharif marketing season. Around 40.1 million tonnes of rice have been received in the central pool after milling, with another 15 million tonnes yet to be received.
The procurement operations have positively impacted 1.22 crore farmers, who have received an MSP payout of Rs 1,71,000 crore. The government has set a target to buy 62.60 million tonnes of rice in the current marketing season, aiming to surpass the previous year’s procurement of 57.58 million tonnes.
In terms of wheat procurement, approximately 21.29 lakh farmers have already benefited from the ongoing operations, with an MSP outflow of about Rs 55,680 crore. Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have contributed significantly to wheat procurement, with 12.12 million tonnes, 7.09 million tonnes, and 6.31 million tonnes respectively.
The government has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate hassle-free procurement operations, reflecting its commitment to supporting farmers and maintaining an adequate stock of food grains for the country’s requirements.