February 22, 2013

India to procure 44 million tonnes of wheat in 2013

India is planning to procure 44 million tonnes of wheat in 2013, an increase from 2012's level of 38.15 million tonnes.

This will lead to an unprecedented stock of 90-95 million tonnes of wheat and rice, further straining storage facilities that are already stretched after a series of bumper harvests. The estimate for this year's procurement was finalised in a meeting between state government officials and Food Secretary Sudhir Kumar, a government statement said.

The officials discussed arrangements for procurement, storage plans, availability of credit to state agencies involved in procurement, and the availability of adequate packaging material, the statement said.

Kumar directed the Food Corporation of India to depute its senior officers to ensure proper arrangements for the procurement in collaboration with state food secretaries. He asked the states to provide adequate storage space.