326.38 LMT wheat in the Central Pool against the PDS requirement of 240 LMT

FCI maintains adequate stock of foodgrains to deal with fluctuations in productions and to meet unforeseen natural calamities. A stocking norm prescribing the minimum quantity of Rice and Wheat that should be available in Central Pool at the beginning of each quarter to take care of operational requirements and above fluctuations, has also been approved by the Government of India. As per stocking norms as on 1st April, FCI has to maintain wheat stocks of 74.60 Lakh MT(LMT), whereas 145.38 LMT wheat stocks were available in central pool as on 01.04.2016. During the current wheat procurement seasons, about 230 LMT wheat have been procured.

The wheat stock in the Central Pool as on 1st June 2016 was 326.38 LMT. The annual requirement under NFSA is around 240 LMT.

FCI also releases wheat at pre-determined prices in the open market from time to time to enhance the supply of wheat especially during the lean season, to moderate the open market prices. The average sale under OMSS(D) has been around 50-55 LMT. FCI is therefore having sufficient wheat stocks to meet out the requirement under National Food Security Act/Other Welfare Schemes and also to meet out demand of wheat under Open Marker Sale Scheme. In the current year Private traders have procured wheat aggressively estimated to by 60-65 LMT. The demand under OMSS(D) is therefore expected to be lower. The wheat stocks position in the country is thus comfortable.

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