May 11, 2007

India May 1 wheat stocks up on-year at 11.60 million tonnes
 

India's wheat stocks as of May 1 are estimated at 11.60 million tonnes, up from 8.99 million tonnes a year ago, the latest government data showed Friday.

"Imports of 5.5 million tonnes of wheat in 2006 and better management of supplies under various sale programmes has ensured the rise in stocks of food grain over the previous year," a government official said when asked to comment on the data.

Rice stocks, as of May 1, have increased to 13.48 million tonnes from 12.80 million tonnes a year earlier.

"The procurement of rice from growers has been slightly slower on the year but proportional sales to consumers has ensured that the stock position has been maintained," she said.

Total food grain stocks are estimated at 25.08 million tonnes, up from 21.79 million tonnes a year earlier.