Drawdown in wheat stocks, fear of fall in rice production raise doubts on scheme's sustenance beyond Sept 30 deadline
The drop in acreage has triggered fears of the government clamping down in exports as it did in the case of wheat in May
The threat to India's rice production comes at a time when countries are grappling with soaring food costs and rampant inflation
Experts say a fall in paddy output could hugely impact cereal prices going forward as wheat stocks in central pool aren't enough to quell any surge in prices
Grain inventory in central pool, as on July 1, 2022, lowest since 2019
Shortfall in rains, which was over 40% till June 10, narrowed to 4% by June 24 largely due to a massive downpour in the East and North-East
Food secretary says benefits far outweigh any alleged harmful effect
The actual pick-up in sowing will happen once the monsoon becomes active over Central and Western India
India has stockpiled more than enough rice and prices have been under control
Some beneficiaries complain of abdominal discomfort, gastritis, diarrhoea and nausea after eating fortified rice
India set to have 38.6 million tonnes of rice in its reserves-much more than what it requires.
Addressing the 'National Workshop on Innovative Agriculture' organised by NITI Aayog, Kant further said India is now an exporter of wheat and rice
Fortified rice will help reduce malnutrition
Fortified rice with essential nutrients was started on a pilot basis for three years in 2019-20
Even 25 years after he stepped down as prime minister, H D Deve Gowda has remained relevant in Indian politics
Odisha has extended distribution of additional 5 kg of rice per head free of cost to beneficiaries of the State Food Security Scheme for four more months
This is because the European Union (EU), from where the allegation came, accounts for very little of the country's rice export
Union Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey on Friday stressed the need to create awareness about the benefit of fortified rice to boost demand
Some experts say fortified grain is a wasteful expenditure with no tangible results, and advocate balanced diet instead. Others cite the success of fortification in other South Asian countries.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian farmers have planted 49.9 million hectares (123 million acres) with summer crops, down 10.43% from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, as monsoon rains taper off after a strong start last month.