Government’s Foodgrains Stock Reaches 604.02 Lakh Tonnes Amid Ongoing Procurement

Foodgrain Stocks held by the government touched 604.02 lakh tonnes as of April 1, according to official data cited in a PTI report. The stock level was much higher than the required buffer norm of 210.40 lakh tonnes fixed for the quarter. 

The reserves include wheat and rice stored in Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns. The government keeps these stocks to supply foodgrains under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other welfare schemes. 

Rice and Wheat Stocks Above Buffer Norms 

Rice stocks stood at 386.10 lakh tonnes against the required buffer level of 135.80 lakh tonnes. Wheat reserves were recorded at 217.92 lakh tonnes, higher than the prescribed norm of 74.60 lakh tonnes. 

Buffer stock norms are revised every quarter by the government. The current norms came into effect from April 1, while the next revision is scheduled for July 1. 

The higher stock position comes as procurement operations for the ongoing rabi marketing season continue across major producing states. 

Harvesting Progress Across States 

Government data showed that nearly 97% of the wheat-sown area of 334.17 lakh hectares has already been harvested. Harvesting of pulses for the season has also been completed. 

Paddy harvesting was reported at 59.32 per cent. The activity is mainly underway in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

Government agencies are continuing procurement of wheat and rice from farmers during the ongoing season. 

Wholesale Prices Below MSP 

Official data also showed that wholesale prices of several rabi crops remained below their minimum support prices (MSP) during the week ended May 1. 

Wheat prices were reported at ₹2,530 per quintal, lower than the MSP of ₹2,585 per quintal. Paddy prices declined 3.17% from a year ago to ₹2,294 per quintal. 

Maize prices stood at ₹1,831 per quintal against the MSP of ₹2,400. Prices of arhar, moong, bajra and sunflower were also trading below MSP levels. 

Read More: India Records Highest-Ever Exports of $863.11 Billion in FY26 Driven by Services Growth! 

Conclusion 

Government foodgrain stocks remained above the prescribed buffer requirement as procurement and harvesting activities continued during the rabi season. 

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