This is deceptive. There's a different figure from the same source (Hindu) of 7.5 mil tons of wheat, which is closer to what I quoted.The Hindu says: The official reserves of wheat, maintained by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), have dropped 4.7 per cent to 29.91 million tonnes (mt) as of June 1 from 31.39 mt in the year-ago period. But the stockpiles of rice are higher by 21.8 per cent at 50.46 mt now against 41.42 mt in 2023.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ec ... 064714.ece
Both figures are correct. Between Apr and June, FCI procures wheat. However, it then redistributes that wheat to the PDS.
This season they procured around 22 million tonnes, from which about 18 mil is required for the Central Govt free food scheme.
You will notice that buffer stocks, while being just above what is required, are at their lowest in 16 years.
So 7.5 mil tns is before procurement and 29.91 tns after procurement, but before distribution to the PDS.
Statistics: Posted by Deans — 02 Jul 2024 10:46