1,118 Lakh Tonnes of Foodgrains Allocated Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

01-Jan-2026 03:44 PM

New Delhi. Data released by the Department of Food and Public Distribution shows that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a total of about 1,118 lakh tonnes of foodgrains were allocated across the first to the seventh phases, with an estimated value of around ₹3.91 lakh crore. Under this scheme, more than 80 crore beneficiaries across the country are being provided 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month free of cost.

The scheme has helped ensure food security for poor and needy sections of the population. Beneficiaries of the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and the Priority Household (PHH/PDS) categories are also covered under the scheme. Free distribution of foodgrains began on January 1, 2023. Prior to this, under the Public Distribution System (PDS), beneficiaries were provided rice at ₹3 per kg, wheat at ₹2 per kg, and coarse grains at ₹1 per kg. The period of free distribution of foodgrains under PMGKAY has been extended for another five years from January 1, 2024, ensuring continued benefits to beneficiaries on a regular basis.

At present, around 80 crore people are benefiting from the free ration distribution scheme, and the government aims to increase the number of beneficiaries to 81.35 crore. Under the National Food Security Act, the Department of Food and Public Distribution allocates foodgrains quotas for various schemes. Accordingly, for the year 2025–26, a total of 554.99 lakh tonnes of foodgrains have been allocated, including 370.53 lakh tonnes of rice, 176.62 lakh tonnes of wheat, and 7.83 lakh tonnes of coarse grains.