Bhubaneswar: The Government of India is maintaining close surveillance on the country’s food security situation in the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict, assuring that adequate reserves and policy measures are in place to ensure stability.
According to C. Shikha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the current foodgrain stock position remains robust. India holds approximately 222 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and 380 LMT of rice, taking the total to nearly 602 LMT—around three times higher than the prescribed buffer norms.
The government continues to safeguard vulnerable populations through the National Food Security Act, which ensures subsidized foodgrain distribution across the country. Additionally, price stability is being maintained through the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS), under which foodgrains are periodically released into the market to control price volatility.
Officials noted that foodgrain prices have remained stable, with states also receiving subsidized rice for additional distribution to beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, wheat procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) has commenced across states through designated agencies. The government is regularly reviewing preparedness to ensure smooth procurement operations.
To support this process, adequate availability of packaging materials is being ensured through diversified sourcing strategies and contingency planning, aimed at preventing disruptions and maintaining uninterrupted procurement.
The government reiterated that it remains fully equipped to handle any potential supply-side challenges while continuing to prioritize national food security.
-OdishaAge
