124.08 Lakh Tonnes of Wheat Lifted Under National Food Security Act

16-Jan-2026 09:11 PM

New Delhi. During 2024-25, up to December 2025, 124.08 lakh tonnes of wheat were supplied under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), while the offtake under other schemes was very low.

As a result, the total withdrawal of this important food grain from government warehouses reached only 136.22 lakh tonnes.

This included 2.75 lakh tonnes for the Mid-Day Meal scheme in schools, 6.53 lakh tonnes for nutrition programs, 76,000 tonnes for welfare institutions and hostels, 16,000 tonnes for SAG, 8,000 tonnes for the Defence department, and 9,000 tonnes for other purposes. In addition, 1.91 lakh tonnes of wheat were sold through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).

It is noteworthy that this scheme was launched in November but was suspended after one auction in December. It has now been restarted from January 14, 2026. This time, the scheme has received a good response.

Government warehouses have a good stock of wheat, and the next harvest is also expected to be excellent. This could lead to a significant increase in government procurement of wheat.

The government lacks sufficient warehouse capacity for the safe storage of food grains, while the monsoon rains are also expected to begin in June. If efforts are made to increase the supply of wheat under the National Food Security Act through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana,

it could prove to be an effective measure for the government to reduce its stock. Sowing for the current Rabi season has been completed, and the area under cultivation has increased by 6.13 lakh hectares compared to last year.