PM reviews various aspects of wheat supply, stock and exports

Tags: National Economy/Finance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review various aspects of wheat supply, stock and exports.

• PM Modi was briefed about the effect of high temperatures in the months of March to April on crop production.

• The position of procurement and export of wheat was also reviewed.

• The Prime Minister directed that all steps be taken to ensure quality norms and standards so that India can develop as an assured source of food grains and other agricultural products.

• Modi also asked the officials to ensure maximum help to the farmers. 

• The officials informed the Prime Minister about the prevailing market rates which are beneficial for the farmers.

• Status of procurement of wheat in India

• The procurement of food grains at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) by the government will hit a 13-year low this year.

• In 2010-11, wheat procurement was 22.5 MT and in 2016-17, it was 22.96 MT. 

• MSP purchases of wheat stood around 17 MT as on 5 May, down 42% from the year-ago level.

• India is aiming to export more than 10 metric tonnes of wheat in 2022-23.

• According to the revised guideline, during the remaining five months of phase VI of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), FCI will allocate 3.5 million tonnes (MT) of wheat to states. 

• Launched in 2020 as part of COVID19 relief measure, 5 kg of grain under PMGKAY are provided free each month besides highly subsidised foodgrain to beneficiaries under National Food Security Act.