India Urges States to Boost Wheat and Paddy Procurement
The Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) in India convened a crucial meeting with State Food Secretaries to strategize on maximizing the procurement of wheat and paddy during the upcoming marketing seasons. The discussions focused on the procurement arrangements for the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26 and the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach amid various influencing factors.
Procurement Estimates Set for Upcoming Seasons
During the meeting, officials reviewed several factors impacting procurement, including weather forecasts, production estimates, and the preparedness of states for procurement operations. As a result of these discussions, the government has set the wheat procurement target for the RMS 2025-26 at 310 lakh metric tons (LMT). Additionally, the procurement estimate for paddy, measured in terms of rice for the KMS 2024-25, has been established at 70 LMT. This proactive planning aims to ensure food security and stabilize market prices for farmers.
Focus on Coarse Grains and Nutritional Diversity
In a significant move towards crop diversification, the meeting also highlighted the procurement of coarse grains, including millets, with an estimated target of around 16 LMT for the KMS 2024-25. States and Union Territories (UTs) were encouraged to prioritize millet procurement to enhance nutritional diversity in diets. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security across the nation.
Innovative Initiatives and Best Practices Discussed
Several innovative initiatives were discussed to enhance the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). Proposed reforms in the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) Control Order, the introduction of SMART PDS, and the implementation of E-KYC were among the key topics. The meeting also featured insights from the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) regarding pledge financing against electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWRs). Additionally, the State Government of Telangana shared successful practices in food grain management, showcasing effective strategies that could be adopted by other states.
Supply Chain Optimization and Infrastructure Improvements
The meeting addressed the critical need for optimizing supply chain operations within the PDS. The Government of Gujarat presented its automation efforts in supply chain management, highlighting the importance of technology in improving efficiency. States were urged to make optimal use of storage facilities created under the world’s largest grain storage initiative. This focus on infrastructure improvement aims to streamline procurement processes and ensure timely distribution of food grains to consumers.
The meeting brought together Food Secretaries from various states and UTs, along with representatives from the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the India Meteorological Department, and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, underscoring a collaborative approach to addressing food procurement challenges.
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