Centre sets procurement target of 320 lakh tonnes for wheat, allocates 6 lakh tonnes for millets

The Centre has fixed estimates for wheat procurement in the rabi marketing season 2024-25 at 300-320 lakh metric tonnes. Similarly, estimates for paddy procurement for rice in the kharif marketing season 2023-24 were fixed at 90 – 100 lakh metric tonnes. A quantity of around 6 lakh metric tonnes of coarse grains/millets has also been estimated for procurement during the kharif season.

The estimates were finalized after a meeting with State Food Secretaries to discuss procurement arrangements for rabi and kharif crops, considering factors like weather conditions, production estimates, and state readiness. Telangana shared good practices in Supply Chain Optimisation, leading to an annual saving of Rs 16 crore. Uttar Pradesh highlighted the success of e-PoS linking with weighing scale for efficient foodgrain supply.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare presented an evaluation study on Digital Maturity of State MSP procurement applications, urging states to align with AgriStack portal features for transparency. Discussions also included Supply Chain Optimisation, infrastructure improvements, milling practices, and on-boarding Fair Price Shops on ONDC for digital commerce.

Attendees at the meeting included Chairman & Managing Director of FCI, Principal Secretary/Secretary (Food) of States, officers from Indian Metrological Department, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, NAFED, and NCCF.

The Centre sets procurement estimates for wheat and paddy in upcoming marketing seasons, aiming to streamline supply chain, digitize procurement, and enhance crop diversification for improved nutrition. Stakeholders collaborate to boost efficiency and transparency in the procurement system for the benefit of farmers and consumers alike.